"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5).

This third of Christ's beatitudes has always seemed paradoxical because those who now rule the earth seem anything but meek. It has always been the strong and aggressive who control the world, not the meek of the world.

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16).

"That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:7).

"Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?" (Job 38:35).

"And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long" (Psalm 35:28).