Qualities like humility, meekness, long-suffering, kindness, etc. are not often considered to be qualities of power. To understand this, we must consider the meaning of the word "power" along with one of its antonyms; "weakness."
As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, along with a number of other sources, the word "power" means:
(A) the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.
(B) the ability to do something or act in a particular way,
(C) the ability or right to control people or things
On the other hand, "weakness" is described in the following way:
(A) displaying or characterized by a lack of enthusiasm or energy.
(B) lacking the force of character to hold to one's own decisions, beliefs, or principles; irresolute. not convincing or logically forceful.
(C) of a low standard; performing or performed badly.
Allow me now to define "Meekness"-
(A) "Meekness has been contrasted with humility as referring to behavior towards others, where humbleness refers to an attitude towards oneself[4] - meekness meaning restraining one's own power,[5] so as to allow room for others." We can see why meekness is so often considered something of the weak. Rather than imposing opinions, controlling others, or demonstrating ability; the meek choose to "allow room for others." This act is often confused as no act at all; for the society in which we now live claims that "seeing is believing." As a result, because the act of being meek is not seen (or noticed), we quickly dismiss the individual exercising such action as weak.
In truth, meekness creates not only a power within oneself, but also a power in our community. When we choose to be meek, all can be heard, all can listen, and all can learn. Therefore, true meekness brings knowledge; and it has been said that, "knowledge is power."
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