Is Meekness a Weakness?

In classical Greek, the word for “humility” is a derogatory term suggesting low-mindedness and groveling servanthood. The Greeks had no place in their language or beliefs for humility. It was looked upon as a bad thing. That is even true in our culture, as evidenced by attitudes that say, “Look out for number-one” and “What’s in it for me?”

Contrary to conventional wisdom of today, the Bible tells us to put the needs of others above ourselves and to be humble. It also tells us to function in meekness.

Meekness is sometimes perceived as weakness. But that is not what the Bible is saying. The word “meekness” as used in the Bible means “power under constraint.” A meek person may have the ability to hurt you, but chooses not to. That is power under constraint.

Jesus was described as meek and mild. That doesn’t mean He was weak. He was far from it. He was strong. He did not return insult for insult. He did not strike back. He gave us the example to follow in humility and weakness and in dealing with others in gentleness.

This means humbling ourselves. Sometimes, it means going to a person and saying, “I don’t know if I have done something to harm you or if you think I have done something, but let’s try to work it out,” even if you think you are right and that person is wrong. That is where humility and meekness come in.

We need to get rid of any me-first, what’s-in-it-for-me attitudes and start thinking biblically. And we need to be asking, What can I do to help others? How can I learn to resolve conflicts? It can change your life.