When students in a class were asked to write an essay on the Quakers, one young girl wrote: "Quakers are very meek people who never fight and never answer back. My mother is a Quaker. But my father is not."

In the book of James, the apostle wrote, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom" (3:13). Notice that phrase: "meekness of wisdom." James was saying that wisdom is humble.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth" (Matthew 5:5). We're familiar with the word, but the trouble with "meekness" is that most people think meekness is weakness. It isn't, but if you look up meekness in some English dictionaries, you'll find synonyms like docile, passive—even timid.

Práos, the Greek word for meek, is a colorful and surprising term. Using this definition, meek words are carefully chosen words used to sooth strong emotions. So the literal meaning of meekness is power under control.

A wild stallion will buck and resist the bit and bridle before it's trained. But once it submits to the trainer's hand, it becomes dignified and poised. It's still a very powerful creature, but it is power under control.

For believers, meekness is the willingness to submit to God's sovereign control. Paul included gentleness (meekness) as a fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:23). And Jesus used it to describe Himself. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me. For I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:29, MEV).

Now, "the meekness of wisdom" is an interesting phrase because meekness is the right use of power. Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. And when you combine those two things, you have a very powerful individual. This is a person who, though he could, would not manipulate another person. He would use his power in a controlled manner. He doesn't demand things for himself. He is, in other words, God's gentleman.

God's Gentleman is an English term. Originally, a gentleman was a man of noble birth, from a certain class apart from the average people. When you and I are gentle like this, we're showing others that we are of noble birth. We are sons and daughters of the King of Kings.

When this kind of a person enters a room or a situation, they produce a calming effect. They have dignity and poise.

When you think of others first, when you are patient with other people, when you practice self-control, when you refuse to intimidate someone to make yourself feel strong, when you welcome other's opinions, you're acting in the meekness of wisdom.

Now, let me also say that being gentle doesn't mean you must compromise your beliefs or your own deep-seated, biblical convictions. But—be courteous. Be considerate. Be God's Gentleman.