Psalms 37:11
But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to read "meek" as weak, but the original language points to a strength that patiently waits on God. This isn't about passive resignation, but an active, quiet trust that trusts God's timing and finds deep joy in His promised peace, even amidst hardship.
The Psalmist is contrasting the fleeting success of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of the faithful. He urges readers not to be agitated by those who prosper through evil schemes, because their prosperity is temporary. Instead, the focus shifts to those who patiently trust in God, promising they will ultimately receive a lasting inheritance and deep peace.
We often think of meekness as weakness. But in Scripture, it's a powerful, intentional posture. What does it truly mean to be 'meek'?
The Bible uses the word 'meek' (or related terms) to describe a specific kind of strength – one that is self-controlled and submitted to God.
Not Weakness, But Restraint
Calvin highlights that meekness is about restraining our turbulent emotions. Instead of reacting with anger or envy when the wicked seem to prosper, the meek person chooses to be silent before the Lord and wait patiently. This isn't passive resignation; it's active trust.
God's Strength, Our Foundation
Commentators like Poole and Clarke point out that this meekness is rooted in godliness and a patient endurance of God's dealings. It's about acknowledging God's sovereignty, even when circumstances are difficult. This strength allows them to "delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
A Deeper Inheritance
Ellicott and others note that this promise goes beyond mere physical possession. While it can include earthly blessings, it fundamentally speaks to a profound sense of true ownership and contentment, even in difficult times. It's about experiencing God's peace that transcends circumstances.
The psalm promises 'abundant peace.' But what kind of peace is this, and how is it truly 'inherited'?
The 'abundance of peace' promised to the meek is multi-layered, encompassing both inner tranquility and outward well-being, all stemming from their relationship with God.
Inner Tranquility
Commentators like Gill and Poole emphasize that this peace is primarily an internal state. It's the deep satisfaction and security that comes from knowing God's favor and trusting in His promises, even amidst life's storms. This inner peace allows the meek to "delight themselves" regardless of external circumstances.
Outward Blessing and Security
Understand the original words
anav · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Those who are humble, gentle, and submissive to God's will, often in the face of mistreatment. It implies a reliance on God rather than self-assertion.
erets · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the land promised by God to His people (often Canaan), symbolizing the blessings of God's kingdom and the ultimate rest of the redeemed.
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of complete well-being, wholeness, and harmony with God, self, and others. It is a gift from God, rooted in righteousness and reconciliation.
Jesus directly quotes this verse in His Sermon on the Mount, expanding the promise of inheriting the earth to a spiritual inheritance of God's kingdom, showing the enduring relevance of the psalm's message.
Galatians 5:22-23This passage lists 'gentleness' (often translated as meekness) as a fruit of the Spirit, connecting the character described in Psalms 37:11 with the transformative work of God in a believer's life.
Romans 8:18Paul speaks of the sufferings of this present time not being worthy to be compared with the future glory that will be revealed, paralleling the temporary struggles of the meek with their ultimate, abundant inheritance of peace and peace.
Isaiah 2:4This prophetic passage envisions a future time when nations will 'beat their swords into plowshares' and 'learn war no more,' echoing the 'abundant peace' promised to the meek in Psalms 37:11 and pointing towards a future fulfillment.
1 Peter 3:4Peter highlights the 'gentle and quiet spirit' as precious in God's sight, reinforcing the value of meekness described in the psalm and linking it to God's favor and enduring beauty.
calvinPsalms 37:7-11: "Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass."
- Be silent to Jehovah, and wait for him; fret not because of the man who prospereth in his way, against the man who commits wickedness. [23] 8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself so as to do evil, 9. For the wicked shall be cut off; but those that wait upon Jehovah shall inherit the earth. 10. Yet…
clarkePsalms 37:11: "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
But the meek - ענוים anavim, the afflicted, the poor Jewish captives. Shall inherit the earth - ארץ arets, the land of Judea given by God himself as an inheritance to their fathers, and to their posterity for ever. See Psalm 37:9.
It's easy to read "meek" as weak, but the original language points to a strength that patiently waits on God. This isn't about passive resignation, but an active, quiet trust that trusts God's timing and finds deep joy in His promised peace, even amidst hardship.
The Psalmist is contrasting the fleeting success of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of the faithful. He urges readers not to be agitated by those who prosper through evil schemes, because their prosperity is temporary. Instead, the focus shifts to those who patiently trust in God, promising they will ultimately receive a lasting inheritance and deep peace.
The Psalmist is contrasting the fleeting success of the wicked with the enduring inheritance of the faithful. He urges readers not to be agitated by those who prosper through evil schemes, because their prosperity is temporary. Instead, the focus shifts to those who patiently trust in God, promising they will ultimately receive a lasting inheritance and deep peace.
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While the inner peace is paramount, the psalm also hints at outward blessings. This can include a sense of security, provision, and a peaceful existence on the earth God has given them. Clarke connects this to the inheritance of the land of Judea, given by God. This outward peace is not a guarantee of a life free from trouble, but a divine covering that ensures their ultimate well-being.
A Future Hope
Ultimately, this inheritance of peace points towards an even greater, future reality. It's a foretaste of the perfect, unending peace found in God's eternal kingdom. The assurance of this future hope sustains the meek through present difficulties.
"But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." — It's easy to read "meek" as weak, but the original language points to a strength that patiently waits on God. This isn't about passive resignation, but an active, quiet trust that trusts God's timing…
