Growing up reading scripture, I was trained to think that the word “meek” meant soft and whimpy. It contradicts other places in the Bible where God calls me to fight the devil (James 4:7). So perhaps I was wrong in understanding the meaning of “meek”? Yes. The New Testament was written in Greek so it is helpful to understand how other Greek writings, written at this time, used these same words. The word praus, “meekness,” means “power under control.” Praus was used often by the Greeks to describe a war horse that was trained to obey instantly and absolutely, no matter how great the confusion during battle. Thus the word “meek” really refers to inner control. Daily we are bombarded with temptations. The evil one wants us to be driven by our carnal instincts to make decisions for him. We hear whispers to lie, cheat and please the flesh for its own gratification as an end in itself, with no higher purpose or meaning. As Christians, we need to fight and step over those voices and forge ahead in faith to follow Jesus Christ. This requires inner strength and control. This also involves inner power. The result is that it produces peace (Psalm 37: 10-11).
The Tough Shall Inherit the Earth
