Meekness: Cultivating the Imperishable Quality of a Gentle and Quiet Spirit

by Matthew Henry

Revised 2024. Just as Andrew Murray’s book Humility is a classic on cultivating humility, so is Henry’s work on meekness for those pursuing it. While the book may feel repetitive at times, it is like a cloth repeatedly scrubbing a spot that wasn’t clean the first time. By the end, this thorough approach will have greatly helped you cultivate meekness in your own life.
Matthew Henry writes, "there is no other topic I could bring to you where I feel more likely to succeed than this, for meekness contributes so much to the comfort and peace of our souls, making our lives sweet and pleasant. If you are wise in this, you are wise for yourself. The aim of this discourse has been to persuade you not to be your own tormentors but to govern your passions so that they do not become furies to your soul. The virtue I have been recommending to you is universally acknowledged as excellent and beautiful. Will you embrace it and wear it, so that others may know you are Christ's disciples and you may be found among the sheep on His right hand on the great day when Christ’s angels will gather out of His kingdom all that offends?"

Genres: Christian

Kindle Edition

Published October 9, 2024

About the author

Matthew Henry was an English non-conformist clergyman. Henry's well-known Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (1708–1710) is a commentary of a practical and devotional rather than of a critical kind, covering the whole of the Old Testament, and the Gospels and Acts in the New Testament.

Reviews

[Mairin Schuman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The meek and quiet soul, fully assured that God knows what is best, would gladly leave all decisions to Him, saying, 'He shall choose our inheritance for us,'" (p. 9).

Matthew Henry never disappoints. This is a short book but not necessarily a quick read; there is a lot to be meditated upon in these pages. The organization of the book made my mind sing for joy after having read some other nonfiction lately that was very poorly organized and edited. This book is extremely comprehensive on the topic of meekness and is up there with Jeremiah Burroughs's book on contentment as something I wish I had time to read yearly. I am left very encouraged to continue the pursuit of a truly gentle and quiet spirit, full of faith and courage, able to laugh without fear of the future, not making excuses for my passions bubbling over (no matter how "right" they might be!).

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I grow in grace and Christlikeness, I think it will be due in part to the voices in my ear of Puritans like Matthew Henry whose biblical teachings challenge me.

[Rebekah Powledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every single Christian should read this. I have not really heard meekness taught in the church. It is necessary. So good I will probably reread it. Very helpful.

[David Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. A gentle and mild spirit is an ornament adorning the Christian who imitates Christ — “For I am meek and lowly of heart.”

2. A meek spirit will find quietness and still anger.

3. I love his method of learning quietness mentioned near the end of the book. Henry wants us to stop responding too quickly by reciting the Lord’s Prayer or saying the alphabet in our heads 😄

4. The book is divided into three parts (very Puritan order).
a. The Nature of Meekness.
b. The Excellence of Meekness.
c. Examples of Meekness and its Uses (applications) for Us.

5. The book is not repetitive if you see Henry’s form of writing — Theme and Variations (to compare it with music).

6. Henry writes beautifully. His definition of “beauty” in the book is right on!

6. A classic. Personally, a very convicting and potentially life-changing read.

7. Read it — “quietly” — perhaps over a period of 10 days or so. Read it aloud.

8. That way you can slow down and “quietly” meditate on the text. It’s plain and beautiful and utterly earnest and sincere. It’s counter-cultural.

9. This book is an example of why we should read the “old dead guys.” 🙌

[Rachel Mellema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This takes a deep dive into the biblical understanding of meekness, showing that it's a quality that goes far beyond passivity or weakness. Instead, meekness is shown as a powerful form of self-control, humility, and restraint—rooted in a heart fully submitted to God’s will. Drawing from scripture, it's emphasised how meekness is not a denial of strength but rather the wise and gentle use of it in alignment with God's purposes.

I really enjoyed the section on how meekness affects our relationships, both with God and with others. Henry explores how meekness can transform our responses to conflict, helping us to respond with patience rather than defensiveness, kindness instead of anger, and humility rather than pride. Something I really struggle with! He also tackles the difficult question of how to live meekly in a world that often values power and assertiveness, offering practical wisdom for applying these teachings in everyday life.

For anyone wrestling with issues like pride, impatience, or a tendency to react impulsively, this book offers to help clear path toward healing and growth. Henry also doesn’t just teach the what of meekness; he explores the why—why it’s essential for spiritual maturity, for deepening our relationship with God, and for fostering true peace in our interactions with others. If you’ve ever felt torn between your desire for godly humility and the pressures of a world that celebrates self-promotion, Meekness is a refreshing and convicting read that will leave you inspired to pursue a life of gentleness, rooted in Christ’s example.

Read this book as my chosen “Puritan Paperback” for @wtsreads 2025 Christian Bookstagram Reading Challenge. (2/12).