Meekness stands in stark contrast to self-assertiveness and self-interest. It embodies an evenness of mind, neither overly elated nor deeply discouraged, as a truly meek person is not preoccupied with self. The essence of true meekness lies not merely in outward behavior or in relationships with others, nor in natural disposition, but in an inwardly developed tender-heartedness, primarily directed toward God. It is the attitude of accepting God's will as good, without dispute or resistance.

In the journey of living by faith, self-assertiveness rooted in pride stands as a significant barrier. Pride, closely associated with evil, is an inherent trait due to exposure to Satan and the world, often adorning the wicked like an ornament. It fuels resistance to submission to God, making overcoming it seem nearly impossible. However, this pride can be neutralized by humility, a quality that does not come naturally but must be deliberately cultivated through God's Spirit and conscious decisions to submit to Him out of love and a desire to glorify Him. The opposite of self-assertive arrogance is poverty of spirit, a fundamental spiritual quality highlighted by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount as the first Beatitude. This poverty of spirit is not about physical lack but a recognition of spiritual destitution compared to God's qualities. It emerges from a genuine self-evaluation where one sees himself as utterly dependent on God, possessing nothing intrinsically good, and powerless to become like Him without divine help. This realization fosters humility, positioning a person as nothing in his own eyes and acknowledging his proper place before God. Humility, unlike self-assertiveness, is not a denial of power but a deliberate control of it to achieve a greater good. It promotes good relationships by neutralizing the damage pride can cause. True humility cannot be faked for long; it is revealed through consistent submission to God. It attracts God's attention and pleasure, as it glorifies Him and brings rewarding outcomes to those who practice it. God values humility highly, promising forgiveness and answered prayers to those who humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wicked ways. In contrast to self-assertive desires for personal gain, humility involves asking for help to honor God, as exemplified by Solomon, who sought understanding to discern justice and was rewarded with wisdom, riches, and honor. This quality requires constant awareness to glorify God, countering the ever-present resistance of human nature to submit to the great Creator and Savior.

In the journey of living by faith, a critical element to address is the haughty, competitive nature of self-assertiveness, which stands in stark contrast to the spiritual humility required for a proper relationship with God. This self-assertive attitude, often marked by arrogance and pride, declares personal perspective as paramount, akin to an ornament of pride worn around one's neck. It reflects a spiritual poverty, not in material terms, but in the lack of godly virtues and the power of God's Holy Spirit, which are essential for eternal life. Such an attitude reveals a destitution of the spiritual qualities needed to become like God, highlighting the urgent need for honest self-evaluation against His perfection. Overcoming this self-assertive pride requires a conscious recognition of one's utter dependence on God, both physically and spiritually. The humble person, through honest comparison with God's holiness and righteousness, sees himself as nothing in his own eyes, finding his proper place face down in the dust before God. This realization of complete spiritual dependence is the fruit of humility, which gradually cancels out pride and its resistance against God. By emulating the humility of Jesus Christ, who deliberately controlled His power for a greater good, one can neutralize the damaging effects of self-assertiveness, fostering better relationships and aligning oneself with God's will.