Meekness is a virtue emphasized throughout the Bible. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that discuss meekness:
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:5)
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” This well-known verse from the Sermon on the Mount highlights the blessings promised to those who are meek. Jesus upholds meekness as a virtue his followers should embody.
Jesus’s Example of Meekness (Matthew 11:29)
Jesus invites his followers to “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus models meekness in his own life and ministry and calls his disciples to embrace this virtue.
Meekness and Wisdom (James 3:13)
The book of James contrasts selfish ambition with the “meekness of wisdom.” True wisdom expresses itself with gentleness, not pride or arrogance. Meekness flows from a wise heart submitted to God.
The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth (Psalm 37:11)
This Psalm echoes the Beatitudes, promising that the meek will inherit the land. Though the proud may temporarily prosper, ultimately the humble and lowly will receive their reward.
Meekness and Leadership (Numbers 12:3)
Numbers describes Moses as “very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” Meekness is not incompatible with leadership but an essential virtue for leading God’s people.
The Adornment of a Meek Spirit (1 Peter 3:4)
Peter instructs wives to let their adorning come “from within the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” A meek spirit pleases God more than outward adornment.
Correcting Others with Meekness (Galatians 6:1)
Paul charges the Galatians to restore a sinning brother or sister in a spirit of gentleness. Meekness enables compassionate correction rather than self-righteous condemnation.
Meekness in Relationships (Ephesians 4:2)
Paul urges the Ephesians to walk in humility and gentleness, bearing with one another in love. Meekness allows us to build relationships marked by patience and grace.
The Meekness of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:1)
Though bold in his letters, Paul asserts he is “gentle among you, like a nursing mother.” He follows the example of Christ’s meekness in his ministry to the Corinthians.
The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23)
In Paul’s description of the fruit Christians should cultivate, meekness or gentleness is contrasted with fits of rage and selfish ambition. The Spirit produces gentleness in those who follow Christ.
Seeking the Lord with Meekness (Zephaniah 2:3)
The prophet Zephaniah calls God’s people to seek righteousness and meekness in order to find shelter on the coming day of judgment. True faith expresses itself in humble obedience.
Meekness in Knowledge (James 3:13)
James distinguishes between wisdom characterized by meekness and understanding versus wisdom marked by “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.” Right knowledge fosters gentle humility.
The Meekness of Moses (Numbers 12:3)
Moses is described as being “very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.” Despite his great authority, he led Israel with gentleness and humility.
The Exhortation to Meekness (Colossians 3:12)
Paul instructs the Colossians to “put on” virtues including “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Meekness should mark all our relationships with others.
Showing Gentleness to All (Titus 3:2)
Paul exhorts Titus to remind believers “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” Our conduct should be marked by meekness.
Inheriting the Earth (Matthew 5:5)
In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares the meek will inherit the earth. Though the proud prosper now, the humble will receive the eternal reward of God’s kingdom.
Jesus’ Gentle Yoke (Matthew 11:29)
Jesus describes himself as “gentle and humble in heart.” He invites followers to take on his yoke, indicating his teachings grant rest, not legalistic burdens.
Meekness of Wisdom (James 3:13)
James contrasts the meekness that comes from wisdom with selfish ambition and arrogant boasting. True wisdom expresses itself in humility and gentleness.
The Example of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:1)
Paul asserts he was “meek and gentle as a nursing mother” among the Corinthians. He followed Christ’s example of leading through tender care, not domineering authority.
Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23)
In describing the fruit produced by the Spirit, Paul lists qualities like “gentleness and self-control” contrasted with hostility and fits of rage. God’s Spirit cultivates meekness in believers.
Seeking the Lord (Zephaniah 2:3)
The Old Testament prophet Zephaniah calls God’s people to seek righteousness and humility. Salvation is found in meekly trusting and obeying God.
Restoring Others (Galatians 6:1)
Paul instructs believers who catch a brother or sister in sin to restore them gently. Meekness allows compassionate correction instead of proud condemnation.
Evidence of Faith (1 Timothy 6:11)
Paul charges Timothy to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” A meek, gentle spirit evidences genuine faith in Christ.
Adorning the Inner Person (1 Peter 3:3-4)
Peter teaches that true beauty comes from the “imperishable quality” of a “gentle and quiet spirit.” This inner meekness pleases God far more than outward adornment.
Bearing with One Another (Ephesians 4:2)
In calling for church unity, Paul urges believers to interact with “all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Meekness enables unity.
Qualification for Leadership (1 Timothy 3:3)
According to Paul, church leaders must not be “violent but gentle, not quarrelsome.” Humility and meekness, not domineering pride, should characterize Christian leadership.
The Blessing of Inheritance (Psalm 37:11)
The Psalmist declares, “the meek shall inherit the land.” Though the wicked prosper for a time, the humble will receive the eternal inheritance of God’s kingdom.
The Example of Moses (Numbers 12:3)
The book of Numbers affirms that Moses was the meekest man on earth. Despite his authority, he led Israel with gentleness and humility.
Treatment of Opponents (2 Timothy 2:25)
Paul instructs Timothy to correct opponents of the truth gently and with humility. The Lord may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of truth.
Wisdom from Above (James 3:17)
James distinguishes heavenly wisdom as “pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason” in contrast to earthly wisdom which is characterized by envy and selfish ambition.
The Need for Meekness (Titus 3:2)
Paul urges Titus to remind believers “to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy to all people.” Meekness is needed in all relationships.
Qualities of Christ (Matthew 11:29)
Jesus describes himself as “gentle and humble in heart.” In calling his followers to take on his yoke, he invites them to emulate these virtues.
Spiritual Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
In contrast to the works of the flesh, Paul describes the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in believers, including “gentleness and self-control.” Meekness evidences the Spirit’s work.
True Beauty (1 Peter 3:3-4)
Peter affirms that lasting beauty comes not from outward adornment but from “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” A meek spirit pleases God.
With All Humility (Ephesians 4:2)
Paul instructs believers to walk in humility and gentleness, forbearing one another in love. Meekness enables unity and spiritual growth in the church.
Qualification of Elders (Titus 1:7)
Elders must not be domineering but humble, peaceable and gentle. The authority of church leaders should be exercised in a spirit of Christlike meekness.
Wisdom from Heaven (James 3:17)
The wisdom from above is described as “gentle, open to reason, full of mercy”, contrasted with earthly wisdom marked by selfish ambition and disorder.
Gentleness with All (2 Timothy 2:24)
Paul instructs the Lord’s servant to correct opponents gently and with humility. Harshness and pride will not lead to repentance and truth.
Blessing for the Meek (Psalm 37:11)
This Psalm promises the meek will inherit the land. Though the wicked may prosper for a time, the humble will receive God’s eternal reward.
Christlikeness (Colossians 3:12)
Paul exhorts believers to be clothed in virtues like humility, gentleness and patience. Meekness should characterize all our relationships in Christ.
Evidence of Faith (1 Timothy 6:11)
Paul urges Timothy to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” A spirit of meekness provides evidence of genuine faith.
Treatment of Opponents (2 Timothy 2:25)
Paul instructs Timothy to correct opponents gently and with humility. Harshness will not lead to repentance and truth.
Unity in the Church (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Paul urges humility, gentleness, and patience to maintain the bond of peace in the church. Meekness enables unity among believers.
Qualifications of Leadership (Titus 1:7)
Elders must not be domineering but humble and peaceful, as overseers should lead with the meekness and gentleness of Christ.
Heavenly vs Earthly Wisdom (James 3:17)
Heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceful, gentle and reasonable unlike earthly wisdom which is marked by envy and selfish ambition.
Restoring Sinners (Galatians 6:1)
If someone is caught in sin, Paul instructs believers to gently restore them in humility. Meekness allows compassion instead of condemnation.
Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Meekness is a fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in contrast to the hostility and discord produced by the sinful nature.
True Adornment (1 Peter 3:3-4)
A gentle and quiet spirit has unfading beauty in God’s sight, pleasing Him far more than outward adornment. Meekness reflects inner beauty.
Forbearance in Love (Ephesians 4:2)
Paul instructs believers to interact with complete humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another in love. Meekness enables unity.
Leadership without Pride (1 Timothy 3:3)
Overseers must not be violent or quarrelsome but gentle and humble. Church leaders should exercise authority in meekness.
Promise for the Meek (Psalm 37:11)
Though the wicked may temporarily prosper, ultimately the meek will inherit the earth and dwell in God’s eternal kingdom.
Christ’s Example (2 Corinthians 10:1)
Paul asserts he was gentle like a mother among the Corinthians. He followed Jesus’ pattern of leading through tender care rather than harsh authority.
Virtues to Put On (Colossians 3:12)
Paul exhorts believers to clothe themselves with compassion, humility, gentleness and patience. Meekness should mark all relationships.
Evidence of Godliness (1 Timothy 6:11)
Paul charges Timothy to pursue godly virtues including righteousness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Meekness reflects genuine godliness.