Meekness
“It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.”
- Ancient Samurai Wisdom
The scariest people are those who speak softly but carry a big stick, those who can do harm but control their power.
In ancient Greece, wild horses were gathered in and conditioned. Most were sent for ordinary work, some were released, some were made to bear heavy burdens, but few were made into war horses. A war horse was declared praus, or meek, because it had its strength under control. The strength and passion never ceased, but they were disciplined. This is meekness.
Meekness is the strength of strength. It knows how to wield the sword with force and grace. The mighty may execute with power, but the mightiest do it seamlessly. The meek are not lax, and therefore they are not found to be slipshod or careless. Anyone can do hard things, but the meek do them with elegance. They can go to war holding a spear in one hand, and come home to hold a baby in the other.
The meek are calculated. They observe and understand the room they enter. No loose word falls from their mouths. They reflect on situations, deciding what is the best course of action to take so that they may be peaceable amongst men, yet not betraying themselves. For them, honor is the vase placed on the shelf; all actions are done to protect it and are imprinted with class. When the conditions are right, then they strike.
Though the display may be rare, it does not lack direction and ferocity. Circumstances may permit them to go a long time without an exhibition, but when it is proper, the wisdom of observation and controlled strength lend themselves when called upon.
Jem and Scout doubted that Atticus could have shot that rabid dog from such a distance, but he still did it. They didn’t know he was the best shot in Maycomb County because they didn’t have to know. Atticus’ collected nature aided his craftiness in court when he caught Bob and Mayella Ewell in a lie. The fury from Bob Ewell blew fierce when he spewed his tobacco phlegm onto Atticus’ glasses. But the beloved lawyer remained calm.
In the face of wild beasts and wild men the meek know what to do.
More Like This
If you liked this type of post, then check out the entire Virtues and Affections Series!
If you enjoyed this post, then make sure hit the like button, comment, and share!
Subscribe to Traditions for the Future and get a free ebook!