Matthew 5:5 "Blessed are the meek! For they shall inherit the earth."

The word "meek" comes from the Greek word "praus", which means mild of disposition, gentleness of spirit. It implies or suggests "humble". It does not mean cowardice, timidity, or inferior. To be meek is to keep feelings and emotions evenly balanced. It is the opposite of sudden anger, holding grudges, rudeness, impatience, and mercilessness.

Being meek also does not mean we don't speak up when wrong is being done. We have an example of Jesus speaking up when He said, "If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?" John 18:23. Yet Jesus was the perfect model of meekness. He called Himself meek and lowly in heart in Matthew 11:29; "Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls." He was treated unfairly and He suffered through it patiently. He didn't fight for His rights through thick and thin, nor did He trample the rights of others to secure His own rights. But He did speak up and point out the wrong that was being done.

Meekness produces peace. It is strength under God's control. The person who is meek isn't angered by insults and believes the vengeance belongs to God as is said in Romans 12:19.

"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" Romans 12:19.

The person who is constantly upset over every little insult, slur, or offense and allows themselves to become angry over such incidences, is at the mercy of every person who chooses to disturb them. The person who has strength under God's control remains at peace and are free from the distress others try to create in them.

There are two ways the meek will inherit the earth. John Wesley explains it best;

"They shall inherit the earth - They shall have all things really necessary for life and godliness. They shall enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." (John Wesley Explanatory Notes)

The meek person is a content person. They are not social climbers, nor are they constantly trying to possess things they don't need. However there is a peacefulness and a sense of honesty about them that will cause people to want to be around them. The meek person is relying on God for their needs and will often find opportunities opening up for them when it is needed. That relationship with God, which opens doors for them on this earth, will open Heaven's doors for them when God comes to brings His children home.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith,

meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22 & 23