Meek

The Concept

Not weakness. Power that has learned where to aim.

The world hears meek and pictures the doormat — the trampled, the spineless, the one who couldn't fight if he wanted to. Scripture means almost the opposite.

Meekness is force under restraint. The war-horse broken to the bridle. The strong hand held open when it could have closed into a fist.

Moses, who stood down Pharaoh, is named the meekest man on earth. The one who could have called down legions said learn from me, for I am meek. It was never the lack of strength. It was strength with somewhere better to go.

— Matthew 5:5