The Fruit Of The Spirit Is....Gentleness

What is gentleness?

We need to fully understand the word gentleness. Gentleness is not weakness.
The AV translates as meekness - to many people this conjures up an image of a weak character.
But actually, gentleness is strength under control.
'It is the ability to govern our passions and resentments, so as not to be easily provoked, and when we are so, to be soon pacified' - Matthew Henry.
Greek word 'prautes'. There is no equivalent English word to translate directly. Meekness is good, but word association is a problem. Gentleness is the most accurate translation.

Prautes as used in the Greek language

a) To describe persons or things which have in them a soothing quality.
b) Gentleness of conduct.
c) The ability to take unkind remarks with good nature.
d) The harmony and combination of strength and gentleness ie the horse is obedient to the reigns.
e) Prautes is not weakness. 'The ability to bear reproaches and slights with moderation, and not to embark on revenge quickly, and not to be easily provoked to anger, but to be free from bitterness and contentiousness, having tranquility and stability in the spirit' - Aristotle
f) It does not imply there is never a place for anger. Righteous anger is acceptable.
'The man who displays prautes is angry on the right grounds, and against the right persons, and in the right manner, and at the right moment, and for the right length of time' - Aristotle.
eg It is right to discipline your children, but not to discipline them when you are angry.

Examples of prautes in the New Testament

a) Discipline. Galatians 6:1
b) Practical demonstration of wisdom. James 3:13
c) Witnessing. 1 Peter 3:15
d) Handling opposition. 2 Tim 2: 24-25.

Practical points regarding gentleness

a) It is not weakness, but it is not aggression either. Matthew 5:5
b) Gentleness brings unity. Eph 4: 1-3
c) Gentleness resolves differences. Col 3: 12-13

Stewart Bloor

www.sicm.org