The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit

by Matthew Henry

While the world knows Matthew Henry best for his time-enduring Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, the cultivation of personal piety in himself and others was the great business of his practical life; and his treatises on the godly life, while little known today, are among the finest ever written. Rich in and alert to the things of the spirit, they reveal, as so impressively shown in this volume, a spiritual mind of preeminent degree in the full and deliberate worship of God. The author here pleads with us to avail ourselves of the "ornament of a meek and quiet spirit" and to apply this precious and comely grace in all our contacts in everyday living. No message could be more practical or fitting for this age, when the world, more than ever, is too much with us. This is a deep and tender, altogether winsome plea. Would you know the nature, excellence, and application of this meekness and quietness? Come then with the author to Him who said " . . . learn of me, for I am meek and lowly" And all the world will see and know that we have been with Jesus. Living and dying, let us be found among the "quiet in the land" We all wish to see quiet families, and quiet churches, and quiet neighborhoods, and quiet nations; and it will be so if there be quiet hearts; and not otherwise.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Spirituality, Religion, Counselling, Christianity

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1997

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

[Becky Pliego · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023: 🔥🔥

2020: Read this with the ladies at the Puritan Authors Book Club and again, it was a blessing.

Always timely.

Absolutely a favorite of mine.

[Natalie Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book immediately appealed to me. Who doesn’t want to embody a meek and quiet spirit? In case the desire is not already present, Matthew Henry spends the first half of the book painting an image of the nature and excellency of meekness and quietness of spirit. The more I read, the more eager I was to get to the application part where I was hoping the author will show me exactly how to attain these qualities in my own life. Even the style of writing itself seems to carry an aura of the meekness and quietness of spirit that is being discussed. It reminded me in some ways of John Bunyan’s much-loved “Pilgrim’s Progress” with the effortless and insightful interweaving of Scripture after Scripture to construct each point.

As one can imagine, the practical application didn’t consist of a neat “5-Step Approach to Meekness.” Instead, Henry exposed attitudes and behaviors that reveal a lack of meekness, challenging the reader to repent and seek meekness. Indeed, that is perhaps the thing that was most impressed upon my heart. Meekness is not something to be attained, but something to be sought. “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth; Seek meekness” (Zephaniah 2:3). The author comments, “Though they were meek, and were pronounced so by him that searches the heart, yet they must seek meekness.” There were many other nuggets of wisdom to be gleaned from the pages of this book and I find myself already turning back through the pages for reflection and assimilation into my own life.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We all wish to see quiet families, and quiet churches, and quiet neighborhoods, and quiet nations; and it will be so if there be quiet hearts; and not otherwise."

This was a fitting closing sentence for the entire book. I underlined so much of this book and plan to study it several times over. It was great encouragement. I highly recommend it, even if you don't consider yourself as someone who struggles to maintain a calm spirit.

[Brooke Chessum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title alone was enough to pique my interest. This is such wonderful treasure that I wanted to start again as soon as I finished it. This focused work is extremely practical and convicting. Meekness is not a topic I have heard many sermons on, but Henry makes it clear this is a priority in scripture for all believers - for we are all called to imitate Christ in his meekness and deal with others accordingly. I have so much to meditate on and have seen how deeply meekness is to infiltrate our hearts. The last section is filled with practical encouragements regarding meekness I know I will come back to often.

[David Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus said "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Matthew Henry has helped me see how necessary, and impossible in my own strength, a calling it is. Puritan writing is a challenging but worthwhile read (I could spend as much time with Webster as with Henry, but I just can't stop to look up every word.) The wisdom and fruit of a meek spirit is so attractive. Yet the older I get the more distant I see myself from imaging what Christ has set forth. There are way too many eye-opening quotes to list many. But here are a few that fed my soul and gave me a desire to pray for grace to grow in meekness:
> "The surest way to find rest in our souls is to learn of him who is meek and lowly of heart."
> "True courage is such a presence of mind as enables a man rather to suffer than to sin, to choose affliction rather than iniquity, to pass by an affront though he lose by it, and be hissed at for a fool and a sneak rather than to engage in a sinful quarrel."
> "Next to the beauty of holiness, which is the soul's agreement with God, is the beauty of meekness, which is the soul's agreement with itself."
> "The soft answer, in case we have committed a fault (though perhaps not culpable to that degree that we are charged with), must be penitent, humble, and submissive, and we must be ready to acknowledge our error, and not stand in it, or insist upon our own vindication, but rather aggravate than excuse it, rather condemn than justify ourselves."
> "Meekness preserves the mind from being ruffled and discomposed, and the spirit from being unhinged by the vanities and vexations of this lower world."
> "A quiet spirit would reconcile us to the post we are in and to all the difficulties of it and would make the best of the present state though it is attended with many inconveniences."
> "In general, whether the outward condition be prosperous or adverse, whether the world smile or frown upon us, a meek and quiet spirit is neither lifted up with one, nor cast down with the other, but still in the same poise."

I have family and friends who live out such meekness. I can only hope to learn from them.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although he gets a bit morbid at times - 'Converse much in your thoughts with the dark and silent grave....think I am but a worm today and may be worm's meat tomorrow...' - he has so many great things to say that you can take these things with a grain of salt....

'The three qualifications of a good surgeon are requisite in a reprover: he should have an eagle's eye, a lion's heart and a lady's hand; in short he should be endued with wisdom and courage and meekness."

"The work of heaven is not likely to be done by a tongue set on fire by hell."

"Meekness teaches us not to be too confident that we are in the right, nor to censure and condemn those that differ from us, as if we were the people and wisdom should die with us."

"A meek and quiet Christian must needs live very comfortably, for he enjoys himself, he enjoys his friends, he enjoys his God, and he puts it out of the reach of his enemies to disturb him in these enjoyments."

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book. There’s just too much I could quote. Matthew Henry does the church a favor by drilling into the redeemed that we must not be governed by inordinate passions but by meekness. Meekness is not weakness but power under control, control of the Holy Spirit, and evidence of grace within. This should be required reading in a age of rage, and all times. After all it was anger that crouched at the door of Cain. It’s long been man’s battle against the flesh.

[Kaitlyn Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord, I pray this settles in to my mind and heart and is true of me as I grow in maturity and Christ- likeness:
-to not respond with high emotion when provoked
-to be rightly gracious with the sins of others as God is gracious toward mine
-to be even and steady emotionally
-to speak truth in humility and patience
-to have more patience with others (sanctification is a process!)
-to be constant in prayer both when I'm doing well and when I fall short

[Josh Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really thankful for this one. Henry had the right words for me at the right time. A must read for young men

[Tatum Cooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good- will need to read 100 more times

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my now favorite books. I have not read much on the virtue of meekness, however I have read a book in building a Christian and biblically masculine character that went over meekness. This was a beautifully written book, it spoke volumes and also showed me quite bluntly how far I've come, but also how far I have to go. Without going into the full "science" of male and female behaviour, this book is for everyone, but I would recommend every man who was converted in adulthood add this to their list as a must read. Before I was saved I was a bull in a china shop if you will, basically a John the Baptist, loud, combative, alone in rags eating locusts and always had to win any debate even if it landed be in jail (so to speak). Those who knew me when I was unsaved know, and also see where the Lord has sifted and refined not only my heart, but my mind, and my character. Masculine males tend to separate feelings from reasoning, that leads to combativeness and generally a cluelessness to others feelings and the gravitas of our words. We must study the nature of meekness, the evenness "Quietness of the Spirit, and strive for meekness and delight in it! This book not only shows newly converted men what meekness is, it stresses why you must pray for it, practice it, be it, teach it, be the light. I loved it and I hope it can help. Matthew Henry and his father are two of my favourite Puritan preachers and theologians also recommend is old and new testament commentary. "We must be as quiet as the sea is quiet from waves." "We must be as quiet as the land is quiet from war."

"True meekness will prevent us from opposing either the obvious parts of scripture, severely as they may task our vices, or the mysterious parts, in reading which vanity may suggest that we could have dictated what is more profitable." - Augustine

[Joshua Reitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book to read quickly. Each section is well deserving of some reflection and meditation. I benefited from reading this on sabbatical with extra long mornings to read slowly and journal in response. This could be a good study for groups, especially those looking to create a more peaceful culture in their homes or churches.

[Brice Karickhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read most books and pay a lot of attention. I listened to this on double speed on a 2 hour bike ride. I think it rocked. Not tons of thoughts other than than I hadn’t thought much about the internal realities that lead to external meekness. I’ve often sought to be meeker by basically trying to choose fewer and kinder words. That’s good and all, but this book reminded me that a person usually overflows with meekness from having a quiet and trusting spirit.

[Meredith Beam · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite non-fiction book of all time. there are so many layers of wisdom & scripture. I discover new treasures each time.

[Whitney Winslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world and culture that incites anger, encourages wrath, finds offense easily, requires justice come from individual human hands, and loves zealous unfiltered passion, Henry poetically persuades the reader with constant scriptural references and beautiful insights from the Bible the advantages of a meek and quiet spirit which enable us to be slow to speak, slow to find offense, quick to forgive and maintain unity, with a high trust in God to judge that which we in our own depravity are unable to.

The understanding and definition of meekness and quietness today has evolved from historic definitions Henry utilizes in his writing—I mean he is from the 1600s after all. This was a beneficial recentering on the principles of meekness with original intent.

I will reread this book and highly recommend. 110% the best read of 2024.

[Carlos Pellot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this little book right after Ash Wednesday as my Lenten devotional reading. Just finished it today. It would have taken me much less time to finish, but it's a book you will want to read little by little because there's so much in it. I have never read anything on meekness as profound and practical as this book by Matthew Henry. It made me realize how far I am from the grace and virtue and fruit of the Spirit that is meekness, but Henry encourages the reader on its pursuit through a wealth of very practical advise. The teaching and reflective writing style of this Puritan scholar and pastor are top notch. Anyone on the path of Christian spiritual formation must read this book. It should be required reading for any student of Christianity.

[Alexis Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so grateful for this book. Modern authors addressing this topic are necessarily affected--one way or another--by issues of feminism and gender roles. Matthew Henry interprets the admonition of I Peter 3:4 as applying to both sexes, and as a result we get the benefit of a gender-neutral 17th century perspective of meekness and quietness of spirit. I will most definitely be purchasing this book and re-reading it often.

[Carol Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book I want to reread frequently

[Stephanie Ngo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute highlight of my whole year was this book. It took me over a year to finish because there is so much goodness. Each time I came to it - it quieted my heart, brought me to my knees, comforted sore places within me, helped me grow immensely, it taught me so much. I think I highlighted almost every word of this 144 page book. Thank you Lord.

“In conclusion I wish to say that I know of no errand that I can come upon of this kind to you in which I should be more likely to prevail than in this: so much does meekness conduce to the comfort and repose of our own souls, and the making of our lives sweet and pleasant to us. "If thou be wise herein, thou shalt be wise for thyself." That which I have been so intent upon in this discourse, is only to persuade you not to be your own tormentors, but to govern your passions so that they may not be furies to yourselves.”

“Shall we therefore set ourselves to manifest, in all our converse, that we have indeed received good by this plain discourse; that our relations and neighbors, and all with whom we have dealings, may observe a change in us for the better, and may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus?
And let not the impressions of it ever wear off, but living and dying, let us be found among the "quiet in the land."

[Chloe H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Very good! I loved how Matthew Henry laid out this book. What meekness is, why it is so wonderful, and then he applied it to everyday life. Though this was written and published in the 17th century, it contains timeless truths that apply to our context today.

I loved his use of metaphors, and the way he spoke of meekness and quietness. It completely drew me in. He showed me the value, the beauty of it. Like all puritans, it seemed every other sentence included a Scripture reference, and it blew me away to see how often God's Word talks about meekness and quietness (though it perhaps uses a different word, depending on the translation), and Matthew Henry's extensive knowledge of the Word. He didn't go to Google, and say "Bible verses on meekness." He knew them.

A very helpful and beautiful book overall. Though puritans can be a more rigorous read, I found Matthew Henry to be a much easier read than some others.
(And we're going to ignore the fact that it took me three months to read this less than 150-page book).

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with some dear sisters over the course of about a year, yup, that’s REAL slow, it’s not that big of a book. But I believe this book to be read and understood best that way.
Matthew Henry is a master of simile and metaphor. His knowledge of the scriptures and his references to them were insightful. The word pictures he uses are excellent and his constant reminders to trust in the grace of Christ are necessary.
If you could only read a few pages, I would suggest 98-112. This is in the application part of the book and looks at examples of meekness in familiar biblical characters, most importantly, Christ himself. It is a book to keep on the shelf when you are looking to quiet your soul. Spoiler alert, it is not all the circumstances around you, it is where you fix your gaze, and in whom you trust.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit is a book every Christian must read! What a great need is there for the modern Christian man to read this book! Men are especially instructed and reinforced for their standing up to oppression, and there is a time for such stands when it is standing up for God, but usually it is merely standing up for our own slights and hurt feelings. As I read this book I was going through my own struggle with an offense against me. Thankfully, Gospel used this book to calm my anger and give me a soft response. Here's a vital quote:
"Our Meekness and quietness is more obvious, and falls more directly under a trial and observation, than our love to God and our faith in Christ, and other graces, the exercise whereof lies more immediately between God and our own souls."

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Henry has a way with words - and run on sentences. But you’ll easily overlook that as you read the richness of his teaching and meekness and quietness of spirit. This book is by far the best one I’ve read on meekness. It’s not a subject widely written about, although humility is, and the two are almost twins. It’s a small book, but packed full of hard truths. I’ll be going back through it slowly for quite some time. Everyone should read it at least once per year. The world would be a better place if we all read and applied the truths here. Five very well earned stars.

[Katie McDowall · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Next to the beauty of holiness, which is the soul’s agreement with God, is the beauty of meekness, which is the soul’s agreement with itself. Behold how good and how pleasant a thing it is for the powers of the soul to dwell in unity, the reason knowing how to rule the affections, at the same time, knowing how to obey.”

Maybe it’s the current trials I’m going through but God used this book to meet me tonight. What a glorious reminder written in the most lovely of old English ways, to point us towards God. Definitely recommend if you’re the type to read old Christian books.

[Emma Rose Van Delft · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful & inspiring book I’ve read for the Christian walk. Matthew Henry’s writing is so convicting and yet soft spoken, and with such depth of wisdom that you can’t help but look up to. Here he shines a light on meekness and quietness of spirit as so essential to our heart posture as those in Christ, given it is our Saviour’s own heart. I would recommend this read a thousand times over— it is a treasure I will be undoubtedly be coming back to over and over.

[Reagan Bon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem. Matthew Henry expounds upon the virtues of meekness and quietness with marvelous clarity and eloquence, exhorting his readers regarding the beauty and desirability of such a spirit in both men and women. Practical, challenging, encouraging, informative... much needed in a culture where meekness and quietness is seen as weakness and cowardice. I'll be rereading this one too...

[Chad Grindstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for every person. It is sad that meekness is not talked about much in Christian circles, as it is so obviously the manner of our Lord. This book will convict, encourage, challenge, and much more. Henry possessed great insight and you will be better off when you finish this great little work.

[Abby Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We all wish to see quiet families, quiet churches, quiet neighborhoods, and quiet nations; and it will be so if there be quiet hearts; and not otherwise.”
This one had been on my list for a long time and I am so much better for reading it. Challenging, thought-provoking, and so needed in my own spirit and home.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on practical application for life! To see more of how Jesus rescued a sinner such as me. To understand that a meek and quiet spirit can help me to pray continuously and keep my eyes fixed “on all things above”.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems that many people today don't truly understand what meekness is, and the rewards of developing this virtue. Matthew Henry explains meekness with clarity and plenty of examples from scripture on what it is and what it isn't. I will be reading this again.