Elephants are so strong they have frequently been used for logging—to carry large logs and even uproot trees. But these giants are usually gentle, especially when tamed from a young age.

The elephant's trunk in particular is an example of strength coupled with precise control. Its trunk, with more than 40,000 individual muscles, is strong enough to rip branches from trees but sensitive enough to pick up a single blade of grass!

The trained elephant illustrates the great value of having both strength and careful gentleness—unlike the proverbial "bull in a china shop."

Compared to English, the Greek language has more precise words for describing the valuable quality of trained animals like elephants and horses. The New Testament uses those same Greek words for a virtue God wants His people to develop.

When the apostle Paul lists "meekness" as the eighth attribute among the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:23 Galatians 5:23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
American King James Version×(King James Version), he uses the Greek noun praotes or prautes—and "meekness" is the closest translation for the Greek word used here. (Similarly, the closest English translation for the related Greek adjective praos or praus is "meek.")

We are to be meek (yielded, teachable, responsive) first of all in our relationship with God, and secondly meek (humble, gentle, respectful) in our relationships with people. To become this kind of person, God must tame and train us!

A word with a closely-related meaning is magnanimous, defined as "generous in forgiving; avoiding resentment or revenge; unselfish."

Meekness is an important part of true love. "Love is patient, love is kind . . . It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered" (1 Corinthians 13:4-5 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 [4] Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up, [5] Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
American King James Version×, New International Version).

The Bible places great value on meekness. Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek [Greek praus], for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5 Matthew 5:5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
American King James Version×). That's a mighty big reward for being meek!

But since "meek" is no longer a popular or commonly used word, modern Bible translations frequently substitute the almost-synonymous word "gentle." Scriptures quoted in this article are mostly from the New King James Version, which uses "meek" and "gentle" interchangeably.

However, be aware that gentleness refers mostly to actions, whereas meekness refers to attitude—one's whole state of mind as well as actions. Meekness produces gentleness. This explains why meekness is one of the beatitudes—beautiful attitudes for which God promises blessings (Matthew 5:5 Matthew 5:5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
American King James Version×).

Meekness is not weakness!

Many people confuse "meek" with "weak." It's regrettable that they rhyme because godly meekness requires strength!

For a physical comparison, if you were badly injured and needed someone to gently carry you, wouldn't you want someone who was really strong? You wouldn't want a person who might stumble or clumsily struggle with you!

Adding to the confusion is the idea that hair-trigger angry reactions are "normal." As a result, some people assume that a person who doesn't retaliate tit for tat must be afraid or mousy. But true strength is shown by a secure individual who stays cool, thinks first and then responds in the way that will best help the other person. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1 Proverbs 15:1A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
American King James Version×).

Consider God! He is all-powerful, but He never misuses His power. He is the perfect Father who never overreacts, is gentle with His often-unruly children and always does what is best for us.

Consider also the example Jesus Christ set while on earth. Although He could call on divine power, He was approachable, sympathetic, kind and loving. He said, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly [humble] in heart" (Matthew 11:29 Matthew 11:29Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.
American King James Version×, emphasis added throughout). He used His power for healing rather than hurting. Remember His words: "Learn from Me."

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

The greatest power on earth is the power of the Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit—God's Spirit—that enables people to be far more meek and gentle than they could ever be without it, as Paul shows in his letter to the churches of Galatia.

Paul knew that the Christians there were backsliding into hostile attitudes and personal conflicts. He wrote that some were "biting and devouring each other" (Galatians 5:15 Galatians 5:15But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another.
American King James Version×, NIV). He urged them to "through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13 Galatians 5:13For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
American King James Version×), reminding them, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Galatians 5:14 Galatians 5:14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
American King James Version×).

What the Galatians needed was to "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16 Galatians 5:16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
American King James Version×). And what did he say is the result of following the lead of God's Holy Spirit?

Paul went on to write of how that Spirit would transform our lives: "But the fruit [product, effect] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23 Galatians 5:22-23 [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
American King James Version×).

What a great solution! God doesn't leave us on our own to work up these virtues. By putting our faith in God, repenting of our sins and being baptized, we can "receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38 Acts 2:38Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
American King James Version×). And that gift includes wonderful fruit!

Then, to continue bearing spiritual fruit, think of yourself as a branch. The key is to stay attached to the trunk of the true vine, Jesus Christ (John 15:1-6 John 15:1-6 [1] I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. [2] Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. [3] Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you. [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me. [5] I am the vine, you are the branches: He that stays in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. [6] If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
American King James Version×).

It's easy to see how the attributes among the fruit of the Spirit overlap and relate to each other. Meekness and gentleness relate very closely to love, longsuffering (being patient and not short-tempered), kindness and self-control.

It's also easy to see how desperately we human beings need God's Spirit to overcome the "works of the flesh"—the ugly and evil tendencies of human nature (Galatians 5:19-21 Galatians 5:19-21 [19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, jealousies, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [21] Contentions, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
American King James Version×). We surely need meekness and gentleness in place of "hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions"!

Later we see how important gentleness is when it comes to helping someone caught up in a sin. Paul said, "You who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1 Galatians 6:1Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
American King James Version×). Paul not only meant we should show gentle words and actions, but also a humble attitude rather than a superior and self-righteous approach (Galatians 6:3 Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
American King James Version×).

To fight or not to fight?

Should a Christian be a fighter? A physical fighter, no. A spiritual fighter, yes. Right after Paul wrote to Timothy to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness," he went on to say, "Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timo- thy 6:11-12). This kind of fight is not against people but against evil influences, especially those of Satan and the demons (Ephesians 6:11-12 Ephesians 6:11-12 [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
American King James Version×). We are to use spiritual weapons, not physical weapons (2 Corinthians 10:4 2 Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
American King James Version×).

Successful spiritual warfare requires great courage and endurance. Paul wrote, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13 1 Corinthians 16:13Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
American King James Version×).

But in our relationships with people, we are not to be combative or argumentative—we are to be peacemakers.

Paul also wrote: "Love one another with brotherly affection . . . Live in harmony with one another . . . Repay no one evil for evil . . . If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all'" (Romans 12:10 Romans 12:10Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;
American King James Version×, Romans 12:16-18 Romans 12:16-18 [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. [17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. [18] If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.
American King James Version×, Revised Standard Version).

When someone hurts you, just take it rather than hurting back. That's what Jesus meant by loving everyone and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-45 Matthew 5:38-45 [38] You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. [40] And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. [41] And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two. [42] Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away. [43] You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which spitefully use you, and persecute you; [45] That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
American King James Version×).

Since we all like to be treated gently, why not treat everyone else gently? "And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise" (Luke 6:31 Luke 6:31And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.
American King James Version×). That's the Golden Rule!

Qualities that relate to meekness and gentleness

As with the fruit of the Spirit, other scriptures also show us how certain virtues go hand in hand. Paul said we are to "walk . . . with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:1-2 Ephesians 4:1-2 [1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation with which you are called, [2] With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love;
American King James Version×).

He also wrote that we should "put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do" (Colossians 3:12-13 Colossians 3:12-13 [12] Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.
American King James Version×).

Meekness includes voluntarily "submitting to one another" (Ephesians 5:21 Ephesians 5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
American King James Version×). In a long passage, Peter spoke of the importance of submission of all kinds—Christians toward government (1 Peter 2:13 1 Peter 2:13Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
American King James Version×), servants toward masters (1 Peter 2:18 1 Peter 2:18Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the fraudulent.
American King James Version×), Christ's example of submitting to His tormentors (1 Peter 2:21-25 1 Peter 2:21-25 [21] For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps: [22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judges righteously: [24] Who his own self bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live to righteousness: by whose stripes you were healed. [25] For you were as sheep going astray; but are now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
American King James Version×) and wives toward their husbands (1 Peter 3:1 1 Peter 3:1Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
American King James Version×).

Peter also encouraged wives to emphasize inner beauty rather than outer beauty—"the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" (1 Peter 3:4 1 Peter 3:4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
American King James Version×, New International Version). Then in 1 Peter 3:7 1 Peter 3:7Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
American King James Version×, he exhorted husbands to be true gentlemen and to honor their wives.

To everyone, Peter wrote, "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 1 Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
American King James Version×, NIV).

Two scriptures use another Greek word that specifically means "gentle." One says that "a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle [eepios] to all, able to teach, patient" (2 Timothy 2:24 2 Timothy 2:24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient,
American King James Version×).

And the other one beautifully shows Paul's great love for those in the churches he watched over: "But we were gentle [eepios] among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us" (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 [7] But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children: [8] So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear to us.
American King James Version×).

The world sorely needs this kind of TLC—tender loving care!

Grow in meekness and gentleness

To keep your attitudes and actions meek and gentle, you will need to swim upstream against the culture's current of rudeness and roughness. Paul foretold that "in the last days . . . men will be lovers of themselves . . . unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal" (2 Timothy 3:1-3 2 Timothy 3:1-3 [1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. [2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
American King James Version×). Doesn't that describe much of the content on television and in movies?

God is calling people out of such darkness to be "the light of the world"—to set the right example for others (Matthew 5:14 Matthew 5:14You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
American King James Version×). That's a tall order. But God is ever ready to help us. Pray earnestly for His help. And make a habit of reading God's Word so it can transform your thinking and way of life.

Remember that an important part of being that shining light is having godly meekness and gentleness. And someday the whole world will be a peaceful and happy place. That someday is when Christ returns and the meek inherit the earth!