186. Meekness Is a Virtue Gracious

1. Meekness is a virtue gracious,
Every Christian’s glory here;
In our young we find it precious,
In our elders still more dear.
Though they whom the world upraises
Do not sing true meekness’ praises, -
Meekness is much more than gold;
Yea its worth cannot be told.

2. See, how meek was our dear Savior,
Void of every kind of pride;
Friendly, loving, gentle, ever
From vainglory turned aside.
In His life none could moreover
Boastful vanity discover;
So to us the Lord doth speak:
“Learn of Me, for I am meek.”

3. Who here humbly walks in meekness
Is beloved by everyone;
Who well knows and feels his weakness,
God will honor in His Son.
God takes pleasure in the lowly -
And these also please Him wholly
Who, here walking on God’s way,
In the love of Jesus stay.

4. Truly meekness greatly blesses,
And obtains the Father’s grace.
Who this virtue here possesses,
Knowing here most fitting place,
Will in all his deeds find favor,
And his soul is glorious ever;
Faith, hope, love, and gentleness
Do a heart of meekness bless.

5. These good fruits of God the Spirit
That are given to the meek,
They, through Jesus, may inherit
Who for them sincerely seek.
Only where true faith is dwelling
There true meekness is excelling;
And thereby is manifest
Who Christ’s Spirit knows the best.

6. Therefore I would know true meekness,
Evermore by lowly, small;
First the heart must show true meekness,
Then the actions, one and all;
That in all that I am doing,
In the good I am pursuing,
Men the Spirit’s power may see
Working in me mightily.

7. After meekness follows gladness:
Here in time God’s richest grace,
Then in heaven, past all sadness,
Glory, light, and lasting peace.
There will meekness shine most glorious
And receive the crown victorious;
What men here deemed poor and slight,
There will glow with heavenly light.