12 1 Meekness is the fruit of guidance.
It is required of leaders, and given
to the servants of the Lord.
2 Meekness is found in the knowledge
of the seasons. Humbly seeking God, the
meek finds instruction.
3 Man can do no good thing save he
follows the plan of the Lord. The Lord
has ordered a time and place for all things.
To be meek is to seek out His ways.
4 The laborers are often deaf and blind.
The meek must guide them, for having
received guidance, he is commanded to
be a leader of men.
5 The shepherd has a staff and rod. The
staff does pull the wanderer back into the
flock, and the rod is an instrument of force
which turns the stubborn.
6 Meekness is found in the giving and
receiving of instruction. All instruction
is the Lord’s, but by authority he appoints
his chosen to command.
7 The sheep that does not heed the authority
of the shepherds will soon be lost; but
the shepherd that is poor shall have
his flock taken away. Indeed, he
shall answer for each soul lost.
8 To choose the staff and rod of meekness
is to assume responsibility. The harshest
judgments are reserved for the shepherds.
To the shepherd much has been given.
9 The mantle of the meek is boldness,
and his cloak is zeal. It is with fury
that he fights those that would steal
from his master’s flock.
10 Humble is the nature of the shepherd,
but anger is a close companion. Strong
and decisive are his ways. A fool
underestimates his resolve.
11 It is written that the meek shall
inherit the earth. Be sure that you
have received instruction, but having
received, tarry not to give it in boldness.
Keep instruction to yourself only,
and you shall lose all.
« Previous —— Next »