[This is part of a running series on the Didache. See the introductory post for more information — RWB]

Phrasing/Translation

ἴσθι δὲ πραΰς,
But be gentle,
   ἐπεὶ οἱ πραεῖς κληρονομήσουσι τὴν γῆν.
   because the gentle ones will inherit the earth.

γίνου μακρόθυμος
Be even-tempered
   καὶ ἐλεήμων
   and merciful
   καὶ ἄκακος
   and innocent
   καὶ ἡσύχιος
   and quiet
   καὶ ἀγαθὸς
   and good
   καὶ τρέμων τοὺς λόγους [διὰ παντός],*
   and [always] trembling at the words
      οὓς ἤκουσας.
      that you have heard.

οὐχ ὑψώσεις σεαυτὸν
Do not exalt yourself
   οὐδὲ δώσεις τῇ ψυχῇ σου θράσος.
   or give arrogance to your soul.

οὐ κολληθήσεται ἡ ψυχή σου
Do not let your soul be joined
   μετὰ ὑψηλῶν,
   with the haughty,
   ἀλλὰ μετὰ δικαίων καὶ ταπεινῶν ἀναστραφήσῃ.
   but be associated with the just and honorable.

τὰ συμβαίνοντά σοι ἐνεργήματα ὡς ἀγαθὰ προσδέξῃ,
The experiences that happen to you, receive them as good,
   εἰδὼς ὅτι ἄτερ θεοῦ οὐδὲν γίνεται.
   knowing that apart from God nothing occurs.

* Funk-Bihlmeyer [hence Ehrman] omit διὰ παντός

Notes

This section, in contrast to §3.1-6, begins with positive prescriptions. Instead of all of the prohibitions of that previous section, one is to be gentle (meek). This is a quotation of Mt 5.5, again from the Sermon on the Mount. It is followed up by a further list of qualities to pursue: even-temperedness, mercy, innocence, quietness and goodness.

The addition of "[always] trembling at the words you have heard" jars the reader (or listener) from the peace of the list. Quiet, steady qualities were being listed only to be followed up with an exhortation to awe and respect when considering those very same qualities. These are not passive things to lightly desire, they are important aspects that must be integrated into the life of the baptismal candidate.

Two more prohibitions follow. These both really point to the same idea: Don't associate with the proud and haughty. And that is really just a negative reformulation of the gist of the first part, to be intensely humble and gentle.

This is all tied together with the ending statement, reminding the baptismal candidate to accept everything that happens as good because whatever happens (even the cruddy stuff) comes from God. Apart from God, the creator and ordainer of all things, nothing can occur. This in turn once again reminds the baptismal candidate to be zealously obedient to the call of humility and gentleness. People are not in control of what happens. Thus one's reaction in any situation in life, good or bad, is a reaction to the work of God (understandable or not) in his life.

So, overall, we end up with a structure like this:

• First Two Groups: State the goal positively
• Second Two Groups: State the goal negatively
• Conclusion: Reiterate why the goal is necessary

The baptismal candidate can respond one of two ways to any situation he encounters. He can respond with gentleness, humility and even-temperedness at the situation God has wrought in his life; or he can respond with pride and arrogance in the mistaken conception that he himself can do something about it. The baptismal candidate should respond with the understanding that God will work what he will work, and respond properly and faithfully accept the will of God.