Meekness is not Weakness

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek,

For they shall inherit the earth. 

NKJV

Many confuse the meaning of the word meek as meaning weak.  This confusion in definition causes some who are not Christians to believe Christians are weak and not qualified to be strong leaders.  We seem to see this belief surface each election cycle as candidates openly expressing their belief in Jesus as their savior find themselves marginalized by media and other candidates.  Some take advantage of this perception that meek Christians are weak and openly attack a Christian candidate’s faith believing that Christians will not fight back out of weakness.

Unfortunately, this confusion of meekness with weakness even affects Christians causing them to cower and remain silent about their faith out of fear of repercussions.  This is unfortunate for as we look at the cultural decline of our society, we as Christians have exactly what the world needs, but if we remain silent, the world will never know (2 Corinthians 4:3).  In fact, remaining silent about the Gospel goes against the Great Commission of Christ (Mark 16:15). 

We must therefore set the record straight by correctly defining the word meek used in Matthew 5:5.  The original Greek word translated meek is paruj (prah-ooce) which means mild, humble, or meek.  (1)  There is no mention in this definition of weakness just a mild humble temperament.  Another interpretation of the word meek is power under control.  (2)

Jesus goes on in Matthew 5:5 to promise that the meek will inherit the earth.  Using the erroneous definition of weak for meek is understandably confusing for how could a weak person inherit the earth.  However, with the definition of someone humble and mild with power under control in their lives, we can see that Jesus is referring to a leader able to maintain their composure and lead rationally and not according to their emotions. 

As we compare the two current front-runners in the GOP race for President of the United States, we see Donald Trump and Ted Cruz.  Let us now take a moment to apply the correct definition of meekness to these two men in order to determine who is best fit to return the United States back to the position of greatness it once held.

1)      Donald Trump – Has some great ideas that resonate with many, including myself.  We have a problem with immigration in the United States coupled with a real danger of radical Islamic terrorism and millions of able-bodied citizens unable to find work.  Donald Trump’s promise to build a wall to prevent illegal immigrants taking jobs of citizens and potential terrorists from entering the country sounds good.  However, as we look at the temperament of Donald Trump it is definitely not weak, but it also lacks any humility or mildness.  Granted, there is a time for the expression of anger or emotion, after all, Jesus did overturn the tables in the Temple (Mark 11:15), but the President of the United States must also have a temperament of humility and mildness and not always respond with outbursts of emotion.  There is no doubt Donald Trump is able to exhibit these qualities for he is extremely successful in the business world and therefore should begin to show voters this side of his temperament if he is to garner enough votes to defeat his Democrat challenger should he get the GOP nomination. 

2)      Ted Cruz – In contrast we have Ted Cruz who has exhibited the temperament of humility and mildness as he has endured numerous attacks during the campaign.  In addition, Ted Cruz has demonstrated strength by standing up to the GOP leadership in the Senate and the Republican Party establishment.  I therefore believe that Ted Cruz best exemplifies the biblical quality of meekness, or power under control that Jesus was referring to in Matthew 5:5.

Let me make this clear, however, should Donald Trump become the GOP nominee for President of the United States, I will vote for him over either Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders.  However, I as a voter I would advise Mr. Trump to begin exhibiting more qualities of biblical meekness in order to win over the evangelical vote which I believe he will need to win election to President of the United States. 

1. Godrules. Paruj. www.godrules.net. [Online] God Rules. [Cited: February 21, 2016.] www.godrules.net/library/strongs2b/gre4239.htm.

2. TOW Bible Commentary. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. www.theologyofwork.org. [Online] Theology of Work. [Cited: February 21, 2016.] https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/matthew/the-kingdom-of-heaven-at-work-in-us-matthew-5-7/the-beatitudes-matthew-51-12/blessed-are-the-meek-for-they-will-inherit-the-earth-matthew-55/.