The Dichotomy of the Meek and the Bold

meek

1. humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.
2. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.
3. Obsolete. gentle; kind.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/meek>

bold

1. not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring: a bold hero.
2. not hesitating to break the rules of propriety; forward; impudent: He apologized for being so bold as to speak to the emperor.
3. necessitating courage and daring; challenging: a bold adventure.
4. beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action; imaginative:  Einstein was a bold mathematician. a difficult problem needing a bold answer.
5. striking or conspicuous to the eye; flashy; showy:  a bold pattern.
6. steep; abrupt:  a bold promontory.
7. Nautical. deep enough to be navigable close to the shore:  bold waters.

Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bold?s=ts>

Scripture tells us to be meek and yet it says that we are given a spirit of power and we are told to boldly go before the throne of God.  Isn't that a bit of a contradiction?

Matthew 5:5(NKJV)

Blessed are the meek,      For they shall inherit the earth.

2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Hebrews 4:16(NKJV)

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

This is where that whole "Bible is a book of balance" thing comes in.  Let me give you a phrase credited to Teddy Roosevelt that I think paints a word picture to illustrate these three Scriptures. 

"Speak softly and carry a big stick!"

I don't know about you but that seems to catch the essence of it for me.