Meekness, Gentleness prautes

Meekness, Gentlenessprautes

• prautes (n); praus (adj); praunein (v)• Gentleness, humility, courtesy, consideration,

mildness, meekness• Meekness is not weakness!• Strength under control

“The meaning of prautes is not readily expressed in English, for the terms meekness, mildness (commonly used) suggest weakness and pusillanimity to a greater or less extent, wheras prautes does nothing of the kind. Nevertheless, it is difficult to find a rendering less open to objection than ‘meekness’; ‘gentleness’ has been suggested, but as prautes describes a condition of the mind and heart, and as ‘gentleness’ is appropriate rather to actions, this word is no better than that used in both English versions.

“It must be clearly understood, therefore, that the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power. The common assumption is that when a man is meek it is because he cannot help himself; but the Lord was ‘meek’ because he had the infinite resources of God at His command. Described negatively, meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.” (Wm. Barclay)

Meeknessprautes

• In secular Greek– Soothing quality– Gentleness of conduct– Right attitude/atmosphere in asking and

answering questions– Taking things lightly– Taming of animals– Strength and gentleness

Meeknessprautes

• In Old Testament– Often contrasted with pride• Isaiah 26:6; Job 36:15• Opposite of arrogance and pride

– The basic quality which keeps one from sin• Psalm 147:6

– Those in relationship with God• Psalm 25:9; 37:11; 76:9; 149:4

– Moses• Numbers 12:3

Meeknessprautes

• Terms associated with meekness– Love (1 Corinthians 4:12)– Gentleness (2 Corinthians 10:1)– Humility (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; Matthew

11:29)• Contrast– Stern punishment (1 Corinthians 4:21)– Fighting spirit (Titus 3:2)

Meeknessprautes

• Characterizes the Christian’s life– James 1:21– Galatians 5:23– Ephesians 4:2– Colossians 3:12– 2 Timothy 2:25– Galatians 6:1– 1 Peter 3:15

Meekness

• The key to conquest and power (Matthew 5:5)• Quality of Jesus– Matthew 11:29; 21:5– 2 Corinthians 10:1

• The meek are those who are angry at the right time and never angry at the wrong time

• Self-control– The virtue which allows our relationships with

ourselves and our fellow men to be perfect and complete

– “God-control”