Balancing Meekness and Assertiveness in Truthful Communication
Meekness, characterized as a calm and unprovoked temper of mind, is a virtue frequently enjoined in Christian scripture and exemplified by biblical figures [3]. It is not merely a passive trait but an active disposition that influences how believers communicate truth, especially in challenging contexts. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate meekness [3, 6], seeing it as a fruit of the Spirit [6] and a quality precious in God's sight [6].
The concept of meekness is often linked with wisdom. Matthew Henry notes that "meekness is wisdom," suggesting that a person who is "slow to anger" understands human nature and society, and can moderate their resentments [7]. This perspective implies that meekness allows for a more reasoned and less impulsive approach to communication. Sirach advises, "Be meek to hear the word, that thou mayst understand: and return a true answer with wisdom" [2]. This highlights the connection between meek reception of truth and the ability to respond truthfully and wisely.
Biblical examples illustrate meekness in action. Christ himself is presented as the ultimate example of meekness [3, 6], as are figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and Paul [3]. Paul, for instance, demonstrated meekness by becoming "all things to all people" to win them to Christ, even though he had the right to assert his apostolic authority [3, 1 Corinthians 9:19]. This suggests that meekness can involve strategic restraint and adaptability in communication.
When it comes to communicating truth, especially to those who oppose it, meekness is explicitly prescribed. Paul instructs Timothy to instruct opponents "in meekness" [1, 4, 6]. The goal of such instruction is that "God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" [1, 4]. This indicates that meekness is not a compromise of truth but a method intended to facilitate its reception. Adam Clarke, commenting on James 3:14, warns against "bitter envying and strife" even when defending true religion, stating that such an approach lacks true wisdom and is a "lie against the truth" [10]. This underscores that the manner of communication is integral to the integrity of the message.
The balance between meekness and assertiveness in truthful communication is crucial. While meekness involves patience and a mild demeanor [9], it does not preclude speaking truth directly. Proverbs 22:21 speaks of showing "the assurance of the words of truth" to those who inquire [5]. Matthew Henry suggests that patience allows for waiting for "a fit opportunity to offer our reasons" and gives others time to consider them, even when dealing with those initially averse to the message [9]. This implies that meekness can involve strategic timing and a gentle persistence rather than aggressive confrontation.
However, meekness does not mean an absence of conviction or a failure to speak when necessary. The apostle Paul, while advocating meekness, also asserts his truthfulness, stating, "I will say the truth" [12]. This suggests that meekness is not silence when truth needs to be spoken, but rather a controlled and wise delivery of that truth. Matthew Henry also notes that a "man of understanding" holds his peace to avoid giving vent to passion or kindling the passion of others, but this is presented as an instance of wisdom and true friendship, not an avoidance of truth itself [11].
The challenge lies in avoiding the extremes of aggressive confrontation and passive silence. The instruction to "resist not evil" in Matthew 5:39, interpreted by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, suggests a preparedness to "submit meekly to another, without retaliation," rather than literally inviting further indignity [8]. This highlights that meekness is about the internal disposition and response to provocation, not a command to abandon truth or justice. Ministers are encouraged to follow after meekness and instruct opposers with it, while also urging their people to show meekness to all [6]. This dual emphasis suggests that meekness is both a personal virtue and a principle for public engagement with truth.
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Timothy 2:25 — In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
- Sirach “Sirach 5:13 (DRC) — Be meek to hear the word, that thou mayst understand: and return a true answer with wisdom.”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Meekness — A calm temper of mind, not easily provoked (James 3:13). Peculiar promises are made to the meek (Matt. 5:5; Isa. 66:2). The cultivation of this spirit is enjoined (Col. 3:12; 1 Tim. 6:11; Zeph. 2:3), and is exemplified in Christ (Matt. 11:29), Abraham (Gen. 13; 16:5, 6) Moses (Num. 12:3), David (Zech. 12:8; 2 Sam. 16:10, 12), and Paul (1 Cor. 9:19).”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 2:25 (KJV) — In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 22:21 (Geneva1599) — That I might shewe thee the assurance of the wordes of trueth to answere the wordes of trueth to them that sende to thee?”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Meekness — Christ set an example of -- Ps 45:4; Isa 53:7; Mt 11:29; 21:5; 2Co 10:1; 1Pe 2:21-23. His teaching -- Mt 5:38-45. A fruit of the Spirit -- Ga 5:22,23. Saints should Seek. -- Zep 2:3. Put on. -- Col 3:12-13. Receive the word of God with. -- Jas 1:21. Exhibit, in conduct, &c. -- Jas 3:13. Answer for their hope with. -- 1Pe 3:15. Show to all men. -- Tit 3:2. Restore the erring with. -- Ga 6:1. Precious in the sight of God -- 1Pe 3:4. Ministers should Follow after. -- 1Ti 6:11. Instruct opposers with. -- 2Ti 2:24,25. Urge, on their people. -- Tit 3:1,2. A char”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 14:29: Note, 1. Meekness is wisdom. He rightly understands himself, and his duty and interest, the infirmities of human nature, and the constitution of human society, who is slow to anger, and knows how to excuse the faults of others as well as his own, how to adjourn his resentments, and moderate them, so as by no provocation to be put out of the possession of his own soul. A mild patient man is really to be accounted an intelligent man, one that learns of Christ, who is Wisdom itself. 2. Unbridled passion is folly proclaimed: He that is hasty of spirit, whose heart ”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 5:39: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right check, turn to him the other also--Our Lord's own meek, yet dignified bearing, when smitten rudely on the cheek (Joh 18:22-23), and not literally presenting the other, is the best comment on these words. It is the preparedness, after one indignity, not to invite but to submit meekly to another, without retaliation, which this strong language is meant to convey.”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 25:15: Two things are here recommended to us, in dealing with others, as likely means to gain our point: - 1. Patience, to bear a present heat without being put into a heat by it, and to wait for a fit opportunity to offer our reasons and to give persons time to consider them. By this means even a prince may be persuaded to do a thing which he seemed very averse to, much more a common person. That which is justice and reason now will be so another time, and therefore we need not urge them with violence now, but wait for a more convenient season. 2. Mildness, to speak ”
- James (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on James 3:14: If ye have bitter envying and strife - If ye be under the influence of an unkind, fierce, and contemptuous spirit, even while attempting or pretending to defend true religion, do not boast either of your exertions or success in silencing an adversary; ye have no religion, and no true wisdom, and to profess either is to lie against the truth. Let all writers on what is called polemic (fighting, warring) divinity lay this to heart. The pious Mr. Herbert gives excellent advice on this subject: - "Be calm in arguing, for fierceness makes Error a fault, and truth discour”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 11:12: I. Silence is here recommended as an instance of true friendship, and a preservative of it, and therefore an evidence, 1. Of wisdom: A man of understanding, that has rule over his own spirit, if he be provoked, holds his peace, that he may neither give vent to his passion nor kindle the passion of others by any opprobrious language or peevish reflections. 2. Of sincerity: He that is of a faithful spirit, that is true, not only to his own promise, but to the interest of his friend, conceals every matter which, if divulged, may turn to the prejudice of his neighb”
- 2 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Corinthians 12:6: I shall not be a fool - Who that had got such honor from God would have been fourteen years silent on the subject? I will say the truth - I speak nothing but truth; and the apostle seems to have intended to proceed with something else of the same kind, but, finding some reason probably occurring suddenly, says, I forbear - I will say no more on this subject. Lest any man should think of me above - The apostle spoke of these revelations for two purposes: first, lest his enemies might suppose they had cause to think meanly of him; and, secondly, having said thu”