A Meek and Quiet Spirit – What Is It?

To be honest, I have frequently skimmed 1 Peter 3:3–4 before, and it never made much impression on me—that is, until I read it in the New King James Version, which says: “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 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.”

Notice that the word translated in the King James Version (KJV) as “meek” is translated as “gentle” in the New King James Version (NKJV). In that version, the words “meek” and “meekness” are only used about ten times in the entire Bible, as opposed to around thirty times in the KJV. Some of the words originally translated as “meek” are variously translated as “gentle,” “humble,” or “lowly,” and I think one of the reasons for the difference might be because meekness is such a misunderstood quality.

Realizing that the qualities of meekness, gentleness, and quietness receive not only the approvalof God, but are prized by Him, created a longing in my heart. I wanted these qualities, because I wanted to please God. But my question was, what were they, really?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt that the concept of meekness was difficult to grasp. After all, in the world’s view, meekness is undesirable. A meek person is considered to be weak-kneed, wishy-washy, yielding, spineless, spiritless, and tame—a doormat, a nobody. I also feel that trying to explain what a word means by using other words is much like trying to describe the flavor of a new type of fruit by comparing it with the taste of another. It loses something in the comparison, and only experience can provide a true picture of what it is like.

Nevertheless, let me try present a word picture of biblical meekness. I would say that a meek person would be full of godly wisdom, not easily offended, behave appropriately, be quiet and respectful of the needs and wishes of others, unassuming, patient, modest, unpretentious, tranquil, and non-abrasive. Who wouldn’t want to be around someone like that?

Another way to understand what a word means is by context and example. Although the context of the passage in 1 Peter 3 indicates that it is primarily about wives, meekness, gentleness, and humility are shown to be characteristics that all God’s people should have. After all, it is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Let’s have a look at some biblical characters who were described as meek or gentle. In Numbers 12:3 (KJV), Moses is described as “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” So in what way was he meek? I would suggest that he received the spirit of meekness the hard way. A proud and energetic man, he was the product of the best Egyptian education. His attempt to enter the arena and take up the cause of his downtrodden people—a vigilante leader of sorts—resulted in having to flee the scene and live in seclusion for decades. There, in the wilderness, he found humility and a deeper experience with God. His attainments in military strategy and education were forgotten. He was no longer proud and self-sufficient.

Now imagine how he would have borne the slights of family and the complaints of the people if he were still the proud Egyptian, trained to be the leader of a great nation? Instead, he bore long with all the burdens of servant leadership, and the rare occasion where he lost his temper and failed to give the glory to God ended in personal disaster. Nevertheless, Moses was especially beloved of God.

Jesus Himself is also described as “meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29 KJV). Let’s try to understand what that looked like. Very early in life, Jesus learned to distinguish between the truths of God’s Word and the traditions passed down from the rabbis—traditions that were often in conflict with God’s Word. He was gentle and unobtrusive, and because of this, the scribes and elders thought He would be easily influenced. But Jesus took for His authority only a “thus says the Lord.” Meekness is not weakness!

The woes pronounced upon the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23 were preceded by a lesson on humility. We tend to think of His words to them as a rebuke, but perhaps we should think of them as an appeal made with directness so they could clearly see the error of their ways. Everything Jesus did was tempered with love and gentleness.

Instead of seeking fame and notoriety, Jesus strictly warned His disciples not to make Him known (Mark 8:27–30). It was an action that was both humble and wise. He knew that drawing attention to Himself would shorten His ministry and make His work for the salvation of souls more difficult.

So why did Jesus not seek to defend Himself before Pilate? Pilate marveled at His silence (Mark 15:3–5). I think we must realize that Jesus had an eye single to the purpose of God, and it was the Father’s purpose that His Son would die for the sins of the world. Jesus was a defender of the weak and helpless, but not of Himself.

From a human standpoint, Jesus could have been the opposite of all these things. Imagine what that would have been like! Fortunately, it was His sole desire to do the will of His Heavenly Father, and by His grace, we can partake of His nature.

It is my privilege and yours, by the grace of God, to have this very precious spirit and follow our Savior in all things and in every way.

“For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.’ …” (Isaiah 30:15).

God bless!