Blessed are the Humble.

“God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them!” Jesus Christ.ⁱ

This verse is probably better known as: “Blessed are the meek! For they shall inherit the earth.” This is how it appears in most older English translations, including the King James Version. Another translation refers to the gentle.

Depending on which translation one reads gentleness, meekness or humility will be listed as an aspect of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.ⁱⁱ

There's a lot to be said for Godly humility, here's a few thoughts.

“The meek (οἱ πραεῖς) Another word which, though never used in a bad sense, Christianity has lifted to a higher plane, and made the symbol of a higher good. Its primary meaning is mild, gentle. It was applied to inanimate things, as light, wind, sound, sickness. It was used of a horse; gentle.” Vincent Word Studies.

“Happy are the meek - They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced. They shall inherit the earth - They shall have all things really necessary for life and godliness. They shall enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” John Wesley's explanatory notes.

“Meekness is patience in the reception of injuries.” Albert Barnes notes on the Bible.

“Who are not easily provoked to anger; who patiently bear, and put up with injuries and affronts; carry themselves courteously, and affably to all; have the meanest thoughts of themselves, and the best of others; do not envy the gifts and graces of other men; are willing to be instructed and admonished, by the meanest of the saints; quietly submit to the will of God, in adverse dispensations of providence; and ascribe all they have, and are, to the grace of God. Meekness, or humility, is very valuable and commendable.” John Gill's exposition of the entire Bible.

“The meek are happy. The meek are those who quietly submit to God; who can bear insult; are silent, or return a soft answer...” Matthew Henery's concise commnetary.

Jesus describes Himself as humble.ⁱⁱⁱ The apostle Paul refers to Jesus as “humble and gentle”.^iv

In several places Paul exhorts the believers to be humble, gentle, meek, lowly and patient. To the Ephesians he says to be humble, gentle and patient with each other.^v To the Colossians Paul says that being humble, gentle, kind, meek and patient is a response to God's love.^vi To Timothy gentleness and humility is not only being like God but it is the way to correct those who oppose us in the hope that God will lead them to turn to Himself and learn the truth.^vii

“So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.”^viii Receiving the Word of God with humility (gentleness or meekness) is the opposite of immorality and evil.^ix Paul also refers to being faithful, loving, dependable and gentle as being like God.^x Gentleness and kindness are similar to obedience, the alternative to rebellion and argument.^xi

Humble obedience to the Lord God could be a way to avoid harm when God's anger is revealed.^xii

The most important act of humility is to invite Jesus Christ to be the Lord, (boss) of your life in order to be made right with God.

There's a lot more to be said for Godly humility. I would like to encourage everybody to search out the Scriptures to discover more for themselves.

I have referred to several English translations of the Bible in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.

© Ken Glasgow 2010

This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iMathew's Gospel chapter 5 verse 5 Contemporary English Version

iiGalatians chapter 5 verse 23.

iiiMatthew's Gospel chapter 11 verse 29 Contemporary English Version

ivSecond Corinthians chapter 10 verse 1 Contemporary English Version

vPaul's Letter to the Ephesians chapter 4 verse 2

viPaul's letter to the Colossians chapter 3 verse 12

viiFirst Timothy chapter 6 verse 11 & Second Timothy chapter 2 verse 25.

viiiJames chapter 1 verse 21 The Message translation of the Bible

ixJames chapter 1 verse 21

xFirst Timothy chapter 6 verse 11

xiTitus chapter 3 verse 2

xiiZepheniah chapter 2 verse 3

Those who Mourn.

This posting has been delayed because I dashed off attempting to see my father in-law before he breathed his last, unfortunately that didn't happen. Most of this was written before my hasty departure to South Australia.

I therefore dedicate this page to his widow Pam, who has lost a life's companion. He is also survived by a younger sister, 3 grown “children” and their spouses (including myself), and seven grandchildren.

Continuing on the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said in the sermon on the mount, “Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them!”.ⁱ

The Greek word translated as “mourn” is πενθέω pronounced “pen-theh'-o” meaning, “to grieve (the feeling or the act): - mourn, (be-) wail.”ⁱⁱ

Mourn according to Webster's dictionary: “To express grief or sorrow; to grieve; to be sorrowful. Mourning may be expressed by weeping or audible sounds, or by sobs, sighs or inward silent grief.”

Mourning can be a sign of turning (repentance) from sin, that is a decision to change from actions and habits that are displeasing to God to please and honour Him. There are numerous examples when the prophets in the Old Testament told the people of Israel to turn from their sins with mourning, unfortunately there are few examples of people turning from their sins when warned to do so.

I have refered to several English translations of the Bible in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.

© Ken Glasgow 2010

This page was written using Open Office 3, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.

iMatthew 5:4, Good News Bible.

iiStrong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.