Bible Verses About Gentleness

Gentleness emerges as divine fruit, not human effort. Ellicott describes it as "something more than 'mildness'" involving "a gentle submissiveness to the divine will" with aspects directed both toward people and God. Matthew Poole defines it as "forbearance of passion, rash anger, and hastiness of spirit." Gill provides comprehensive insight - meekness involves "Humility and lowliness of mind," "Having mean thoughts of himself," "Walking humbly with God," "Acknowledging every favour," "Being thankful for every blessing," "Depending on his grace," and "Behaving with modesty and humility among men." The Pulpit Commentary identifies it as "humble submissiveness to the teachings of Divine revelation" contrasting "self-reliant, headstrong impetuosity." Gentleness is a humble, controlled spiritual disposition characterized by grace, self-restraint, and submissive attitude toward God and others (BibleHub Commentaries).

Jesus elevates meekness as a blessed state with eternal reward. Barnes defines meekness as "patience in the reception of injuries" - not revenge-seeking but trusting God. Meyer describes the meek as "calm, meek sufferers relying on God's help." The Pulpit Commentary clarifies it's not weakness but "an inwrought grace of the soul" that accepts God's dealings "without disputing or resisting." The Expositor's Greek Testament calls meekness "a world-conquering principle," while Matthew Henry notes it promotes "wealth, comfort, and safety." Gill emphasizes the meek are "well pleasing to God." The promise of inheriting the earth encompasses not just literal land but "the whole earth... renewed" (Pulpit Commentary), representing "the Messiah's kingdom" (Meyer) where "the meek shall find a foremost place" (Expositor's Greek). Meekness is profound spiritual strength rooted in humility and trust in God (BibleHub Commentaries).

Gentleness is essential when sharing faith. Matthew Henry highlights gentleness prevents unnecessary conflict: "not blustering and flying out into invectives" when defending beliefs. Barnes emphasizes meekness is "the most effective way" to communicate, avoiding "self-sufficient impetuosity." The Pulpit Commentary warns "argument always involves danger of weakening the spiritual life through pride or bitterness." Bengel provides nuanced guidance - "meekness" is especially important with "inferiors" and "fear" with "superiors." Gentleness prevents alienating listeners, demonstrates spiritual maturity, keeps focus on truth rather than winning arguments, and reflects reverence for both God and the person addressed. The Pulpit Commentary captures this: "We must sometimes 'contend earnestly for the faith;' but it must be with gentleness and awe." Gentle apologetics opens hearts while aggressive defense hardens them (BibleHub Commentaries).

True wisdom manifests in gentle humility. Matthew Henry highlights that wisdom is demonstrated through "meekness of spirit and temper" - not just talking well, but living well. Barnes emphasizes "true wisdom is always meek, mild, gentle" with wise people characterized by a "calm spirit" and "gentle, though firm" approach. Gill describes wisdom as knowing one's limitations, with "the first lesson in the school of spiritual wisdom" being to recognize one's own ignorance. The Cambridge Bible notes "meekness" is not an add-on but the fundamental "form and manner" in which noble conduct is expressed, making humility intrinsic to genuine wisdom. Meyer explains wisdom's meekness as "the meekness which is proper to wisdom, and proceeds from it" - humility is a natural outgrowth of true understanding. Wisdom is humble, gentle, and demonstrated through actions rather than mere words (BibleHub Commentaries).

Gentleness is actively "put on" like clothing. Matthew Henry describes meekness as "a delicate consideration for the rights and feelings of others, especially necessary in administering rebuke or discipline," noting it is "conspicuous in Christ" and "a womanly virtue." The Cambridge Bible characterizes gentleness as "the grace of submission under trial." Meyer defines gentleness (πραΰτητα) as the "opposite of rudeness and self-assertion." The Pulpit Commentary captures gentleness as "a delicate consideration for the rights and feelings of others, especially necessary in administering rebuke or discipline." Gentleness is an active, intentional virtue requiring self-restraint, empathy, and a humble approach to interactions - something believers deliberately "put on" in relationships. This divine wardrobe transforms how we interact with others, clothing us in Christ's own character (BibleHub Commentaries).

Gentleness possesses conflict-transforming power. Benson highlights that a "mild, submissive, and yielding answer... prevents the further progress of [wrath]" and advises we should "endeavour to make an end of it presently, by softening the matter." Gill beautifully notes "mild words... will work upon a man's passions, weaken his resentments, and break and scatter the storm of wrath." The Pulpit Commentary offers a medieval rhyme: "Anger, however great, / Is checked by answer sweet." Jamieson-Fausset-Brown explains a "soft, mild or gentle" answer "turneth away wrath from the speaker" while "grievous words... kindle it, and cause it to flame forth." Matthew Henry summarizes: "A right cause will be better pleaded with meekness than with passion." Gentleness, humility, and soft speech are powerful tools for defusing conflict and preventing escalation (BibleHub Commentaries).

Gentleness extends to all humanity, not just believers. Ellicott highlights this universal nature - gentleness is "kindly forbearance" that "looks lovingly on all sorts and conditions of men, on the stranger and the outcast, even on the vilest sinner." Barnes emphasizes gentleness means speaking about others in ways that do them "no injury," always seeking to find good in people, stating "it is better that we should have been mistaken, than that he should be a bad man." Matthew Poole describes gentleness as being "modest, fair, equitable men" showing "forbearing wrath and passion in their converse with all." The Cambridge Bible provides profound explanation - true meekness comes from understanding one's own sinfulness, which teaches "to endure meekly the provocations" from others. Gill summarizes: "yielding and giving way, rather choosing to suffer wrong than to brawl," applying this "to men of all ranks and degrees" (BibleHub Commentaries).

Gentleness creates unity in community. The Cambridge Bible describes gentleness as "gentle and entire submission under trial... in the consciousness that no other attitude can be right for self." The Pulpit Commentary notes gentleness "genders a subdued manner and a peace-loving spirit that studies to give the soft answer that turneth away wrath." The Expositor's Greek Testament explains gentleness is "a grace of the Spirit" involving "quiet restraint, mildness and patient abnegation of self in face of the provocations of others." Barnes emphasizes gentleness enables believers to "bear patiently with the foibles, faults, and infirmities of others" - directly supporting community cohesion. Bengel highlights these qualities emerge from understanding one's divine calling. Gentleness is a critical spiritual disposition preventing conflict and promoting mutual understanding within Christian community (BibleHub Commentaries).