Daily D – Matthew 5:5
Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (NIV)
“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.” (NASB 2020)
“Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.” (CSB)
“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.” (MSG)
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The range of translations of the word “meek” is interesting. Each translation adds a bit of understanding to the full meaning of the word.
Meekness is, according to D. A. Carson, “a controlled desire to see the other’s interests advance ahead of one’s own,” (The Sermon on the Mount: An Evangelical Exposition of Matthew 5-7, page 20). Meek individuals, in contrast to much of the rest of the world, do not think they are the center of the universe.
The New American Standard Bible uses the word gentle instead of meek. Meek individuals are gentle. They do not shove. They do not cut in line. They do not engage in road rage. They spread peace. They exude harmony. They provide calm.
The Christian Standard Bible uses the word humble. Humble people never go first. They promote others ahead of themselves. They encourage instead of criticizing.
The Message amplifies and focuses meekness with the word “content.” Content individuals are comfortable in their own skin. They are unburdened by the drive to appear superior. They appreciate what they have. The second sentence of this paraphrase is aptly aimed and joyfully received: “you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”
No wonder Jesus called the meek blessed.
The richest person you know is not measured by income and investments. That person is measured instead by how he or she appreciates every good and perfect gift given by our Father in heaven in abundance and without cost so that he or she may give it away as easily as he or she receives it.
Our Father in heaven is the owner of all things. Why do we hoard or maintain exclusive control over what ultimately will belong to someone else?
Blessed are we when we are surrounded by meek men and women. Blessed are we when we realize we are becoming more and more meek, gentle, humble, and content. Blessed are we when unnecessary stress rolls away with the incoming security of meekness.
Our Father, more meekness, please. More for me, and more for this world. Enrich our lives with gentleness, humility, and contentment. Amen.
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