Pearls of the Word

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Blessed are the meek!

by Jean-Louis Coraboeuf

"Blessed are the meek [praus], for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

According to the dictionary, the meek is the one who is characterized by a great kindness, who joins gentleness and kindness. The Greek name praus means 'meek', 'gentle'; it gave the adjective praos meaning 'soft' and the name praotes meaning 'gentleness', 'meekness'. The meek have not in them the spirit of claim or the desire to justify themselves.

This is one characteristic of the Messiah who comes "meek [praus] and mounted on a colt" (Matthew 21:5). It is also the character of Jesus who is "meek [praus] and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29) and, for us, it is the fruit of the Spirit, "meekness [praotes]" (Galatians 5:22). A meek [praus] and quiet spirit is of great value before God (1 Peter 3:4). Blessed are the meek because they shall take part in the supper of the marriage of the Lamb, and they shall reign with Him on earth when He returns to establish His Kingdom!