“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5)

What does it mean to be meek? What are we really talking about when we’re talking about meekness? If you look it up in a dictionary, the dictionary might lead you astray. One dictionary defined the word “meek” as deficient in spirit and courage. That’s not what the Greek word used here means. When we talk about meekness, what we’re really talking about – and synonyms are given often for this – gentleness in the sense of humility. But the bottom line means someone who does not assert themselves, someone who is not consumed with his or her own agenda.

Meekness is an absence of confidence in myself, not an absence of confidence in my God. Do you understand the difference? It’s when you get to the place where you know only He can do it. To attempt in any sense to represent God on your own is foolish if you’re trusting in yourself. Paul had the same attitude. Philippians 3:3, he says, “I can’t trust the flesh.” Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” That’s meekness – that’s meekness. It is an absolute and total lack of confidence in oneself to accomplish anything eternal and total confidence in God to accomplish everything.

Taken from a message by John MacArthur – “The Only Way to Happiness-Be Meek”.