PRAUTES (Gentleness)

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ 

What is the Word?

There are certain words that are synonymous with Christian character. Paul describes many of these words in several places as the “fruit of the spirit” – those qualities that flow from the work of God himself in our hearts and are so crucial in relationships. Among these traits, there are none more apparent in an individual than gentleness. The word the New Testament uses for gentleness is prautés.

How does the Bible use this word?

The scriptures are big on temperance, and temperance is often expressed through gentleness and humility. An interesting point to note is in the origins of this word. The root, pra, hearkens back to praus which is the Greek word for meekness. Thus, there is an undertone of “gentle strength” in this word that is often missed in the translation.

Where in the Bible?

Paul urges gentleness when speaking to the young pastor Timothy:

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness (πραϋπαθίαν).

-1 Timothy 6:11

“to be a man of God is to embody Christ himself, becoming conformed to his image.”

For Paul, gentleness is not merely being nice. It is a mark of the spirit itself, a way in which God is manifested in and through us. Thus, to be a man of God is to embody Christ himself, becoming conformed to his image.

Moreover, Peter speaks of the importance of gentleness in our witness to others:

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness (πραΰτητος) and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

-1 Peter 3:15-17

Peter reminds us, as does Paul, that we are ambassadors for Jesus. Thus, everything we do serves as a reflection of him and thus we must always be prepared to react in a spirit of gentleness and respect.

Always Ready

“In all our communication, we must always strive to speak to one another in a spirit of gentleness and respect”

Just as gentleness is important in our witness to others, we must also remember how important gentleness is in our relationships. In all our communication, we must always strive to speak to one another in a spirit of gentleness and respect. When we do so, we are better able to be open and honest so that true intimacy may grow in our lives.