Gentleness may sound old-fashioned – yet it is one of the strongest attitudes known to the Bible. Jesus calls himself “gentle and humble in heart” and blesses the gentle. Here you will find 20 Bible verses about gentleness.
Blessed are the gentle
Verses about gentleness as a characteristic of Jesus and his followers.
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Blessed are the gentle; for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:5Beatitudes
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Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
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“Say to the daughter of Zion: Behold, your king is coming to you gently, riding on a donkey and on the colt of a burden-bearing donkey.”
Matthew 21:5Palm Sunday
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But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
Psalm 37:11
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But Moses was a very humble man, more than any man on earth.
4 Moses 12:3
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He will not shout or cry out, and no one will hear his voice in the streets. He will not break the bruised reed or snuff out the smoldering wick. He will teach justice to be done truly.
Isaiah 42:2-3
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But I, Paul, admonish you through the gentleness and meekness of Christ, who is lowly among you now, but bold against you when I am absent.
2 Corinthians 10:1
Living gently
Gentleness in dealing with others.
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Galatians 5:22-23aBearing fruitSelf-control
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Dear brothers, if anyone is overtaken by a fault, restore them gently in the Spirit, in which you are; and watch yourselves, lest you also be tempted.
Galatians 6:1Temptation
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With all humility and gentleness, with patience, and bear with one another in love.
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So now put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience.
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Let your gentleness be evident to all! The LORD is near!
Philippians 4:5Kindness
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But the inner person, the heart, must be steadfast, gentle, and quiet; this is precious in the sight of God.
1 Peter 3:4Women
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Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you, and do so with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15b-16a
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Do not slander, do not grumble, but be gentle, showing gentleness to all people.
Titus 3:2Klatsch
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Therefore, put away all impurity and all malice, and accept the word that was planted in you with gentleness, which can save your souls.
James 1:21
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Who among you is wise and understanding? Let them show it by their good conduct, by their gentleness and by their wisdom.
James 3:13
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And with gentleness rebuke those who oppose you, if God is pleased to convert them.
2 Timothy 2:25
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A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
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Patience wins over a ruler, and a gentle tongue breaks hardness.
Proverbs 25:15
Bible texts: Luther Bible 1912 (public domain), carefully adapted to modern spelling.
Related Topics
This Goes Well Together
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What is gentleness?
The Greek word praus was used in antiquity for a tamed horse: full of strength, but guided. Gentleness is therefore not weakness, but strength under control. Moses is called “a very humble man, more than any man on earth” (4 Moses 12:3) – Luther translates this as “humble,” while many other translations use “meek” or “gentle.” And Jesus, who drives the money changers out of the temple, calls himself gentle (Matthew 11:29). Gentleness knows when it must speak up – but it does not hurt for selfish reasons.
Gentleness in everyday life
Paul calls gentleness a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and advises that even people who have made a mistake should be helped “gently in the Spirit” (Galatians 6:1). Peter recommends that you give an account of your own faith “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15-16). Especially in heated discussions, this is an attitude that stands out. Learn more about Bible verses about humility, Bible verses about anger and wrath, and Bible verses about self-control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Blessed are the gentle” mean?
In Matthew 5:5, Jesus promises that those who refrain from violence and force will “inherit the earth.” He is referring back to Psalm 37:11.
Is gentleness a weakness?
No. The Bible describes gentleness as strength under control – Jesus himself calls himself gentle (Matthew 11:29).
