God's heart is described as meek, using the Greek word praus (Strong's 4239), an adjective meaning gentle, humble, and mild. This term, derived from the primary Greek word praos, also Strong's 4239, conveys a sense of great power held back in restraint, not weakness. It illustrates a father, full of anger, restraining himself from harsh punishment upon seeing his child's sorrow, opting instead for gentle correction. We should be thankful that God's heart is meek, as His gentle corrections reflect His mercy toward us despite our shortcomings. In Matthew 11:29, Jesus Christ describes Himself as meek and lowly in heart, inviting us to take His yoke and learn from Him to find rest for our souls. This same word praus appears in Matthew 21:5, where Jesus, entering Jerusalem as King, is described as lowly or meek, riding on a donkey, emphasizing humility over majesty. In Matthew 5:5, within the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth," highlighting the value of this heart attitude for inheriting God's Kingdom. Peter, in I Peter 3:4, defines a meek heart as a quiet spirit, incorruptible and of great price in God's sight, indicating the high value God places on those who reflect His meekness. Similarly, in Titus 3:2, Paul instructs to speak evil of no one and to show gentleness and meekness to all, reinforcing this quality as an outward expression of a godly heart. In Galatians 6:1, restoring someone with a spiritual fault is to be done in a spirit of meekness, gently and privately, remembering our own spiritual bankruptcy to avoid harshness or self-righteousness. Meekness, listed as a fruit of God's Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:23, is not weakness but significant power under consistent self-control, manifesting as gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul urges us to walk worthy of our calling with all lowliness and meekness, translated as gentleness in some versions, striving to maintain unity and peace. In Colossians 3:12, we are called to put on meekness alongside tender mercies, kindness, humility, and longsuffering, reflecting the heart of Christ. As we examine our hearts, especially during the pre-Passover time, we must compare them to God's standard of meekness and lowliness, recognizing our spiritual bankruptcy and relying on Christ's enabling Spirit to control our hearts in this spirit of gentleness and readiness to forgive.

The Greek word *praus* (G4239), often translated as meek or gentle, carries a profound meaning rooted in the concept of controlled strength, as illustrated by the taming of wild horses. In ancient Greek culture, a horse described as *praus* was no longer wild, unruly, or rebellious, but had been gentled to bear its master into battle under complete control, following commands with precision. This meekness does not imply weakness, timidity, or docility as modern interpretations might suggest, but rather a powerful submission to authority, exemplified by a war horse that, despite its strength and fighting spirit, operates under the rider's direction. In the context of Scripture, *praus* reveals a facet of humility that is often misunderstood. It describes a strength of character where one endures insult or injury with patience and without resentment, reacting not with violence or retaliation, but with humble restraint. Jesus Christ embodies this trait, as seen in His trial before Pilate, where He stood unperturbed amidst false accusations and hatred, displaying calm self-restraint and patient endurance. Similarly, during His arrest, despite facing an armed multitude, He remained composed, refraining from retaliation or resistance, even rebuking Peter for drawing a sword, and submitting to the Father's will with serene strength. This meekness, or *prautes* in its noun form, is a temper of spirit that accepts God's dealings as good, without disputing or resisting, closely linked to humility. It is a form of submission, not to men, but to God, trusting in His direction and guidance. A meek person, secure in the knowledge that God is on His throne and has their best interests at heart, can remain calm and kind under adversity, showing no aggression or self-assertion, but a placid demeanor even when opposed. This inner power of spirit enables one to bear injury without being emotionally rattled, reflecting a profound faith and loyalty to God. Thus, meekness is not only an outworking of humility but also of faith, allowing God's elect to face persecution, suffering, or abuse with the same poise and self-control that Jesus Christ modeled. It is a royal virtue, more noble than worldly feats, as it involves ruling one's spirit under duress, maintaining composure when provoked, and moving forward toward the Kingdom of God, unperturbed by obstacles, like a mighty river flowing serenely to the sea.

The Greek word transliterated as praus (G4239) or prautes is often translated as subdued, broken, or obedient, akin to a wild stallion trained for battle. This term represents a balance between extremes, embodying strength submitted to God and power under control, often described as love touching. Without this quality, interactions become harmful rather than helpful, painful instead of pleasing, and selfish instead of selfless. Only when strength is brought under the control of God's Holy Spirit through love can individuals reach out and touch one another with gentleness. Aristotle defined praus as a center between anger and complacency, suggesting a state of equanimity where one is neither elated nor cast down, being unconcerned with self. This understanding contrasts with common English translations like meekness or mildness, which imply weakness. In truth, praus is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest, reflecting a spirit that remains steady and unmoved by personal gain or loss. The concept of praus is illustrated through the imagery of a wild stallion brought under control, becoming useful only when submitting to the bit and bridle. Similarly, individuals grow in usefulness to God as they cultivate this quality, taming temper, calming passions, managing unruly impulses, and bringing order to the human spirit. This controlled strength is vital for spiritual growth and effectiveness in God's hands. Furthermore, praus is exemplified in nature and machinery, such as an elephant's trunk, which combines immense strength with precise control to perform delicate tasks, or a giant steam hammer that can flatten a car yet gently crack a walnut shell without damaging the nut inside. These examples highlight the value of great power under perfect control, a hallmark of this quality. Ultimately, praus involves submitting to God's will, being teachable and moldable, and considering others' feelings and experiences in interactions. It requires a balance of strength and tenderness, ensuring that power is channeled for godly purposes with utmost intensity or a soft touch as needed, always under absolute control.