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I. What constitutes a meek spirit? Not a natural quietness of character — amiableness. A meek spirit is a spirit of goodwill and clemency: is placid and calm amidst the vexations and cares of life (1 Peter 3:4); is tractable and submissive; forbearing and forgiving; bows to the rod of affliction.

II. The blessedness of this spirit. It is an evidence of our union to Christ — a unity with the spirit of the noble sufferers and martyrs of the past: enjoy the benefits of Divine providences "inherit the earth," in a mystic sense, far superior to worldly possessions: enjoy a superior measure of the Spirit of God: shall in the end literally enjoy the earth.

(W. Barker.)There is a twofold meekness — towards God and towards man. Towards God implies two things.

I. SUBMISSION to His will.

1. Carrying ourselves calmly, without murmuring, under the dispensations of Providence.

2. Let God do what He will with me, I will submit.

II. FLEXIBILITY to His Word.

1. He is spiritually meek who conforms himself to the mind of God, and doth not quarrel with the instructions of the Word, but the corruptions of his heart.

2. How happy it is when the Word which comes with majesty is received with meekness. Meekness towards man consists in three things.

I. Bearing of injuries.

II. Forgiving of injuries.

III. Recompensing good for evil.

(Thomas Watson.)

I. CONDITIONS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.

1. In prosperity a meek, quiet, and humble spirit is not puffed up.

2. Does not esteem himself better because of his position.

3. Looks upon the good things he possesses as a gift from God.

4. Not as the reward of his own merit.

5. Not as the purchase of his own industry. He will consider that as much as he excels others in these outward gifts of fortune, so much they may excel him in the inward gifts of grace, in knowledge, in wisdom, in piety, and in virtue.

II.

1. In ADVERSITY, being of a meek and humble spirit, he will be contented with his condition.

2. Easy and quiet under all misfortune and affliction.

3. Will not envy those who are in a more flourishing condition: rather will rejoice thereat.

4. Though in want or pain, he will be glad that" others are at ease.

5. Would rather be miserable alone, than have sharers in his misfortune.

6. Will gladly accept and thankfully acknowledge help and relief from others.

III. A meek man WILL BEHAVE HIMSELF IN RELATION TO GOD, IN A HUMBLE SPIRIT.

1. Willing to be instructed by God.

2. Yielding a ready belief to all Divine revelations.

3. Cheerfully obedient to Divine command.

4. With prompt submission of self to the wisdom and will of God.

5. Patiently enduring inflictions and dispensations of God's providence towards him.

IV. Meekness IN RELATION TOWARDS MEN consists in

(1)  Owning the authority and dominion of our superiors;

(2)  In acknowledging the equality of our equals;

(3)  In thoughtfulness and care for our inferiors;

(4)  In being free from malice towards those who have wronged us.

V. BLESSED are the meek.

1. In that they have command over their passions.

2. In that they possess valour and fortitude.

3. In that they have everlasting peace of mind.

(Bishop Ofspring Blackall, D. D.)

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KJV: Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

WEB: Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.