Friday 31 January 2014

Fruit of The Spirit: (9) SELF-CONTROL

SELF-CONTROL is the nineth of the nine parts of Fruit of The Spirit. KJV uses the word Temperance, whereas contemporary versions (NKJV, RSV, NIV) use the word Self-Control. David controlled himself on two occasions, from vengeance and killing Saul when he had the chance. Jesus controlled himself and remained silent without answering despite being falsely accused.


22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.  (Galatians 5:22-23) (NKJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) (KJV)

Nave's Topical Bible.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/concordances/naves-topical-bible/self-control.html

Self-control 
27 But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace. (1 Samuel 10:27) (KJV)

26 Saul also went to his home in Gibeah, accompanied by valiant men whose hearts God had touched. 27 But some scoundrels said, “How can this fellow save us?” They despised him and brought him no gifts. But Saul kept silent. (1 Samuel 10:26-27) (NIV)


When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-ge′di.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks. 3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe. 5 And afterward David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.” 7 So David persuaded his men with these words, and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave, and went upon his way.
8 Afterward David also arose, and went out of the cave, and called after Saul, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Behold, David seeks your hurt’? 10 Lo, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave; and some bade me kill you, but I[a] spared you. I said, ‘I will not put forth my hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, see the skirt of your robe in my hand; for by the fact that I cut off the skirt of your robe, and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. 12 May the Lord judge between me and you, may the Lord avenge me upon you; but my hand shall not be against you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness’; but my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue? After a dead dog! After a flea! 15 May the Lord therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you, and see to it, and plead my cause, and deliver me from your hand.”  (1 Samuel 24:1-15) (RSV)

David exercised self-control and restraint, decided not to kill Saul (who wanted to kill David).

Now the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is David not hiding in the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” 2 Then Saul arose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph. 3 And Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon, by the road. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. 4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul had indeed come.
5 So David arose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Now Saul lay within the camp, with the people encamped all around him.6 Then David answered, and said to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, saying, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?”
And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.”
7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and there Saul lay sleeping within the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the people lay all around him. 8 Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!”
9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” 10 David said furthermore, “As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. 11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go.” 12 So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul’s head, and they got away; and no man saw or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them.
13 Now David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off, a great distance being between them. 14 And David called out to the people and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Do you not answer, Abner?”
Then Abner answered and said, “Who are you, calling out to the king?”
15 So David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? And who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy your lord the king. 16 This thing that you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, you deserve to die, because you have not guarded your master, the Lord’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the jug of water that was by his head.”
17 Then Saul knew David’s voice, and said, “Is that your voice, my son David?”
David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” 18 And he said, “Why does my lord thus pursue his servant? For what have I done, or what evil is in my hand?19 Now therefore, please, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering. But if it is the children of men, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day from sharing in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 20 So now, do not let my blood fall to the earth before the face of the Lord. For the king of Israel has come out to seek a flea, as when one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”
21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will harm you no more, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed I have played the fool and erred exceedingly.”
22 And David answered and said, “Here is the king’s spear. Let one of the young men come over and get it. 23 May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. 24 And indeed, as your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued much in the eyes of the Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.”  (1 Samuel 26:1-24) (NKJV)

David had a second chance to kill off Saul. Instead, he decided to take Saul's spear and jug of water to proof that he had the opportunity to kill him, but did not do it. David had controlled himself from killing Saul.


62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!”  (Matthew 26:62-63) (NKJV)

62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent.
The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.”  (Matthew 26:62-63) (NIV)

 12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.

13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. (Matthew 27:12-14) (NKJV)

 12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.13 Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor. (Matthew 27:12-14) (NIV)

 Despite the false accusation, Jesus controlled himself and remained silent without answering. To be able to remain silent when falsely accused is no easy feat.

Stong's Exhaustive Concordance.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/search/?q=temperance&t=kjv&s=Bibles

25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, "That's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you."  (Acts 24:25) (NIV)

25 Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:25) (NKJV)


23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:23) (NIV)

23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:23) (NKJV)


6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; (2 Peter 1:6) (NIV)

6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,  (2 Peter 1:6) (NKJV)


 Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb 4-5, 2014.
Michael Yeap.
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Fruit of The Spirit: (8) GENTLENESS

GENTLENESS is the eight of the nine parts of the Fruit of The Spirit.  NKJV, RSV, and NIV use the term "Gentleness."  KJV uses the term "Meekness."  Meekness is deemed to be no longer a suitable term, hence, the term "Gentleness" is used in contemporary versions, including NKJV.


22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law.  (Galatians 5:22-23) (RSV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23) (KJV)

 Baker's Evangelical Dictionary.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/gentleness.html

Gentleness [N]
Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love.
The Old Testament.  Gentleness is suggested by the waters of a stream ( Isa 8:6 ) or by wine flowing over lips and teeth ( So 7:9 ). It stands in contrast to baseness ( Deuteronomy 28:54 Deuteronomy 28:56 ), harshness ( 2 Sam 18:5 ), and wildness ( Job 41:3 ).

6 “Inasmuch as these people refused
The waters of Shiloah that flow softly,
And rejoice in Rezin and in Remaliah’s son; (Isaiah 8:6) (NKJV)

6 “Because this people has rejected
    the gently flowing waters of Shiloah
and rejoices over Rezin
    and the son of Remaliah, (Isaiah 8:6) (NIV)

9     and your mouth like the best wine.
May the wine go straight to my beloved,
    flowing gently over lips and teeth.[b] (Song of Solomon 7:9) (NIV)

54 The sensitive and very refined man among you will be hostile toward his brother, toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the rest of his children whom he leaves behind, 55 so that he will not give any of them the flesh of his children whom he will eat, because he has nothing left in the siege and desperate straits in which your enemy shall distress you at all your gates. 56 The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground because of her delicateness and sensitivity, will refuse[a] to the husband of her bosom, and to her son and her daughter, 57 her placenta which comes out from between her feet and her children whom she bears; for she will eat them secretly for lack of everything in the siege and desperate straits in which your enemy shall distress you at all your gates. (Deuteronomy 28:54-57) (NKJV)

53 Because of the suffering your enemy will inflict on you during the siege, you will eat the fruit of the womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters the Lord your God has given you. 54 Even the most gentle and sensitive man among you will have no compassion on his own brother or the wife he loves or his surviving children, 55 and he will not give to one of them any of the flesh of his children that he is eating. It will be all he has left because of the suffering your enemy will inflict on you during the siege of all your cities. 56 The most gentle and sensitive woman among you—so sensitive and gentle that she would not venture to touch the ground with the sole of her foot—will begrudge the husband she loves and her own son or daughter 57 the afterbirth from her womb and the children she bears. For in her dire need she intends to eat them secretly because of the suffering your enemy will inflict on you during the siege of your cities. (Deuteronomy 28:53-57) (NIV)

5 Now the king had commanded Joab, Abishai, and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom. (2 Samuel 18:5) (NKJV)

5 The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders. (2 Samuel 18:5) (NIV)

3 Will he make many supplications to you?
Will he speak softly to you? (Job 41:3) (NKJV)

3 Will it keep begging you for mercy?
    Will it speak to you with gentle words? (Job 41:3) (NIV)

3 Will he make many supplications to you?
    Will he speak to you soft words? (Job 41:3) (RSV)


Gentle words wield great power ( Prov 15:1 ; 25:15 ). Job's counsels were well received, because he spoke them gently ( Job 29:22 ).

A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) (NKJV)

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) (NIV)

A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15;1) (RSV)

15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded,
And a gentle tongue breaks a bone. (Proverbs 25:15) (NKJV)

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,
    and a gentle tongue can break a bone. (Proverbs 25:15) (NIV)

The gentle words are very powerful. Hence, gentleness in words and speech can be a powerful weapon, like a two-edged sword. Gentleness, as a part of the fruit of the Spirit is indeed powerful.

22 After my words they did not speak again,
And my speech settled on them as dew (Job 29:22) (NKJV)

22 After I had spoken, they spoke no more;
    my words fell gently on their ears. (Jpb 29:22) (NIV)


Gentleness evidences itself in a willingness to yield, reminiscent of a lamb being led to slaughter ( Jer 11:19 ; cf. Isa 53:7 ). The supreme exemplar of gentleness is Israel's God. He cares tenderly for the flock under his care, and "gently leads those that have young" ( Isa 40:11 ). He discloses himself not just in wind and earthquake and fire, but in "a gentle whisper" ( 1 Kings 19:11-13 ). His consolations are spoken gently ( Job 15:11 ). As Yahweh's representative, the messianic king comes in humility and gentleness ( Zec 9:9 ).

19 But I was like a docile lamb brought to the slaughter; and I did not know that they had devised schemes against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.”  (Jeremiah 11:19) (NKJV)

19 I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying,
“Let us destroy the tree and its fruit;
    let us cut him off from the land of the living,
    that his name be remembered no more.” (Jeremiah 11:19) (NIV)

7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth. (Isaiah 53:7) (NKJV)

11 He will feed His flock like a shepherd;
He will gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom,
And gently lead those who are with young (Isaiah 40:11) (NKJV)

11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  (1 Kings 19:11-13) (NIV)

God Almighty did not appear to Elijah in a grand manner, not in the strong wind, not in the earthquake, not in the fire, but in a gentle whisper and a small/soft voice. God's words though powerful may be in the form of a gentle whisper/voice. Similarly, we should appreciate the wisdom and the power of gentle words which are wisely spoken are indeed very powerful, muck like the strong wind, earthquake, fire.

11 Are the consolations of God too small for you,
And the word spoken gently[a] with you? (Job 15:11) (NKJV)

11 Are God’s consolations not enough for you,
    words spoken gently to you? (Job 15:11) (NIV)

9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King is coming to you;
He is just and having salvation,
Lowly and riding on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9) (NKJV)

Gentleness may exhibit in the form of meekness, lowliness, humility and low profile. A powerful leader need not necessarily come in with loud and grand entrance, red carpet style. A powerful leader can also choose to be humble and low profile, just like Jesus Christ entering the city riding a donkey.

The New Testament.  That king, now come in the flesh, is "gentle and humble in heart" ( Matt 11:29 ). In accord with the prophecy, he enters Jerusalem in gentleness and lowliness ( Matt 21:5 ).

29 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. (Matthew 11:29) (NKJV)

29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:29) (NIV)

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’”[c]   (Matthew 21:5) (NKJV)

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”[a]   (Matthew 21:5) (NIV)


Paul appeals to believers "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ" ( 2 Cor 10:1 ). By his Spirit, Christ cultivates the same quality in his people ( Gal 5:23 ). Following Jesus' example, Paul treats his people gently, "like a mother caring for her little children" ( 1 Thess 2:7 ). He comes to them not "with a whip [but] in love and with a gentle spirit" ( 1 Cor 4:21 ). Church leaders are admonished to be "not violent but gentle" toward persons under their care ( 1 Tim 3:3 ); it is a quality they are avidly to pursue ( 1 Tim 6:11 ). Knowing themselves to be subject to weakness, they can more readily deal gently with the ignorant and the erring. Believers ensnared by sin must be restored gently ( Gal 6:1 ).

Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. (2 Corinthians 10:1) (NKJV)

By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am “timid” when face to face with you, but “bold” toward you when away! (2 Corinthians 10:1) (NIV)

I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold to you when I am away!— (2 Corinthians 10:1) (RSV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,[c] fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders,[d]drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:19-23) (NKJV)

7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. (1 Thessalonians 2:7) (NKJV)

21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? (1 Corinthians 4:21) (NKJV)

21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit? (1 Corinthians 4:21) (NIV)

We should emulate Jesus Christ and Paul for the spirit of gentleness, the low profile, the humility, when dealing with other believers. Good leaders should be humble and gentle. Gentle words spoken with wisdom are highly powerful in influencing.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,[b] but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; (1 Timothy 3:3) (NKJV)

2 Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife,temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:3) (NIV)

Not only Gentleness is a part of the Fruit of The Spirit, Gentleness is an essential character of a Christian leader.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1) (NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1) (NIV)


A witness to Christian truth is the more effective for being made "with gentleness and respect, " especially toward a hostile or an unbelieving listener ( 2 Tim 2:25 ; 1 Peter 3:15 ). The qualities to which gentleness is joined elucidate its setting and character. Wives should seek "the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" ( 1 Peter 3:4 ). "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love, " exhorts Paul ( Eph 4:2 ). Let believers clothe themselves "with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" ( Col 3:12 ).

24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, (2 Timothy 2:24-25) (NKJV)

24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,  (2 Timothy 2:24-25) (NIV)

15 But sanctify the Lord God[d]in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;  (1 Peter 3:15) (NKJV)

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15) (NIV)

15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence; (1 Peter 3:15) (RSV)

3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. (1 Peter 3:3-4) (NKJV)

3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. (1 Peter 3:3-4) (NIV)

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3) (NKJV)

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2) (NIV)

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;  (Colossians 3:12) (NKJV)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselveswith compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  (Colossians 3:12) (NIV)

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience,  (Colossians 3:12) (RSV)

Gentleness, meekness, lowliness and humility, all with rather similar meaning in Hebrew test, are good character of a believer.


"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" ( Gal 5:22-23a ), a cluster of qualities each of which reinforces and finds expression in the others.


Baker's Evangelical Dictionary.
http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/meekness.html

Meekness [N] [T] [E]
Late twentieth-century Western culture does not hold meekness to be a virtue, in contrast to the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world, which placed a high premium on it. This dramatic shift in values is problematic for contemporary biblical translation. Most modern versions replace the noun "meekness" by "gentleness" or "humility, " largely as a result of the pejorative overtones of weakness and effeminacy now associated with meekness.

These connotations were not always predominant in the word, for ancient Near Eastern kings were not reluctant to describe themselves as meek in the same context in which they described themselves as mighty kings (Babylonian asru and sanaqu; Aramaic nh). What has prompted the discrepancy between the biblical and contemporary attitudes toward this virtue?

There are two essential components for this quality to come into play in the Bible: a conflict in which an individual is unable to control or influence circumstances. Typical human responses in such circumstances include frustration, bitterness, or anger, but the one who is guided by God's spirit accepts God's ability to direct events ( Gal 5:23 ; Eph 4:2 ; Col 3:12 ; 1 Tim 6:11 ; Titus 3:2 ; James 1:21 ; 3:13 ).

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23) (KJV)

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (Ephesians 4:1-2) (KJV)

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (Colossians 3:12) (KJV)

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. (1 Timothy 6:10-11) (KJV)

2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (Titus 3:2) (KJV)

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21) (KJV)

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13) (KJV)

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13) (KJV)

Meekness is a desirable quality/character of a good believer. The word "meekness" is used more in KJV, and less used in contemporary versions.

Meekness is therefore an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances that are wisely seen by the individual as only part of a larger picture. Meekness is not a resignation to fate, a passive and reluctant submission to events, for there is little virtue in such a response.

Nevertheless, since the two responses resignation and meekness are externally often indistinguishable, it is easy to see how what was once perceived as a virtue has become a defect in contemporary society. The patient and hopeful endurance of undesirable circumstances identifies the person as externally vulnerable and weak but inwardly resilient and strong.

Meekness does not identify the weak but more precisely the strong who have been placed in a position of weakness where they persevere without giving up. The use of the Greek word when applied to animals makes this clear, for it means "tame" when applied to wild animals. In other words, such animals have not lost their strength but have learned to control the destructive instincts that prevent them from living in harmony with others.

Therefore, it is quite appropriate for all people, from the poor to ancient Near Eastern kings, to describe their submission to God by the term "meek" (Moses in Num 12:3 ). On the other hand, this quality by definition cannot be predicated of God, and therefore constitutes one of the attributes of creatures that they do not share with their Creator.

3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)  (Numbers 12:3) (KJV)

3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)  (Numbers 12:3) (NIV)

Nevertheless, in the incarnation Jesus is freely described as meek, a concomitant of his submission to suffering and to the will of the Father ( Matt 11:29 ; 21:5 ; 2 Cor 10:1 ). The single most frequently attested context in which the meek are mentioned in the Bible is one in which they are vindicated and rewarded for their patient endurance ( Psalm 22:26 ; 25:9 ; 37:11 ; 76:9 ; 147:6 ;149:4 ; Isa 11:4 ; 29:19 ; 61:1 ; Zeph 2:3 ; Matt 5:5 ).

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (Matthew 11:29) (KJV)

5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. (Matthew 21:5) (KJV)

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: (2 Corinthians 10:11) (KJV)

Jesus Christ is meek, humble and gentle. Despite being very powerful, Jesus was meek and humble. So we believers should follow the example of Jesus and be meek. Meekness is not being weak. Meekness is more to humility, despite a high and exalted position.

26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever. (Psalms 22:26) (KJV)

9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. (Psalms 25:9) (KJV)

11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalms 37:11) (KJV)

9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah. (Psalms 76:9) (KJV)

6 The Lord lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground. (Psalms 147:6) (KJV)

4 For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalms 149:4) (KJV)

4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. (Isaiah 11:4) (KJV)

19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 29:19) (KJV)

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; (Isaiah 61:1) (KJV)

3 Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. (Zephaniah 2:3) (KJV)

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


Monday-Tuesday, Feb 3-4, 2014.
Michael Yeap.


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