Blessed are the Meek

Continued from Blessed are they that Mourn

The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth

Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Jesus was not introducing a new concept when He delivered this beatitude in His message on the mountain. In fact, it’s likely He was alluding to the same expression found in Psalm 37:11.

Psalm 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

There is a connection between meekness and living a life of peace. Meekness is a heart attitude and condition that Jesus tells us will give us peace in our life as well as producing an inheritance of blessing from the LORD.

What does Meek Mean?

What exactly does the Bible mean when it uses the word "meek"? In Psalm 37:11, the Hebrew term suggests humility and lowliness, while the Greek equivalent in Matthew 5:5 conveys a similar sense of gentleness and mildness of spirit.

Do we have a gentle spirit, a mild disposition? Unfortunately, the answer to these questions is often negative. Meekness is primarily an internal quality that requires intentional learning and development, as well as consistent practice. It is something we cultivate in our lives.

Jesus said, in Matthew 11:29, that He was MEEK and lowly in heart, or humble, so, we can readily see that meekness accompanies humility.

Opposite of Meekness

The verses preceding Psalm 37:11 provide a stark contrast to the concept of meekness. They help us understand what meekness is not by highlighting opposing qualities.

Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

Scripture promises that those who wait upon the LORD, who patiently rely on Him will inherit the earth. The meek are those who trust in God's timing and power to bring about desired outcomes. In contrast, those who attempt to force their own plans and schemes, without the LORD’s help, are described as wicked and evil. It’s clear that the Bible distinguishes between the meek and the wicked. Evildoers, those who become a god unto themselves, are the opposite of meek.

A large portion of Psalm 37 focuses on the downfall of the wicked. It vividly describes their eventual destruction as a consequence of their evil deeds. The psalm contrasts this grim fate with the ultimate destiny of the meek, promising them that they will inherit the earth.

Meekness is the antithesis of wickedness. It's about trusting in God rather than oneself, doing good instead of evil. Unlike the evildoer, the meek individual patiently waits for the Lord's blessing and protection. This understanding should provide us a clearer picture of what meekness is.

Meekness speaks of a heart attitude of gentleness of spirit and mildness of disposition, being one who puts their trust in the LORD to provide for one’s needs and maintain one’s life and security.

Trust in the Lord and do Good

In fact, Psalm 37:3-6 also gives us a clear picture of the lifestyle of the meek one, the one who is blessed to inherit the earth.

Psalm 37:3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

They Shall Inherit the Earth

The phrase "they shall inherit the earth" signifies a divine bestowal as a right of inheritance, rather than some kind of earned possession. It's a gift, given by grace, and not a reward for merit. This emphasizes that the meek prosper not through self-promotion, but through God's favor, His blessing, and His abiding presence in their lives.

The Blessing of the Lord

Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.

The blessing of the Lord is the source of true prosperity. It makes one wealthy with the goodness of God, and it is freely given, requiring no excessive toil or hard labor. Those who trust in the Lord experience an abundance that overflows from His divine favor.

The meek, those with a gentle disposition, those who trust in the Lord and do good, are truly blessed and happy, and, as they live their life trusting Him, the Lord grants them a continuing inheritance of blessing. And, not only that, they avoid the ultimate fate of the wicked and the evildoers, who will inevitably and without exception be destroyed.

Pleasing to the Lord

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
Colossians 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Yielded to God

In conclusion, meekness is a life lived in submission to God. It involves pleasing Him through trust and obedience. Those who walk this path are promised an inheritance as our gift from our Father, God. In contrast, those who persist in wrongdoing receive consequences aligned with their actions. Ultimately, the choice between these paths is ours, with God as the impartial judge.

Continued in Blessed are They that Hunger and Thirst