Psalms 112:7
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 112:7
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse emphasizes that "fear of evil tidings" isn't overcome by simply being brave, but by having a heart that is "fixed" – settled and established – on God. This isn't about ignoring danger, but about grounding your entire being in God's steadfastness, so that even when bad news comes, your inner core remains unshaken.
{ "author": "Traditionally attributed to David, though the Psalms are a collection by various authors over time.", "location": "Jerusalem, during the time of the monarchy.", "dateTime": "Likely composed between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.", "literaryStyle": "Wisdom poetry, characterized by its use of parallelism and didactic (teaching) content." }
In a world that often feels like it's shouting bad news, how can we possibly avoid fear? This verse gives us a clue.
Not Immune, But Invincible
The righteous person isn't someone who never hears bad news. Life, as the story of Job illustrates, brings its share of disasters and distressing reports.
However, the key difference lies in their response to these tidings. Instead of being consumed by dread or anticipating the worst, they are not "afraid of evil tidings." This doesn't mean they are emotionless or naive. It means their foundational trust in God provides a secure anchor, even when the storms rage.
Think of it like a ship with a deep, strong anchor. The waves might crash over the deck, the wind might howl, but the anchor holds firm. The righteous know that God is sovereign, even over the calamities that strike.
What does it truly mean for the heart to be 'fixed'? It's more than just a feeling; it's a deliberate stance.
Anchored in the LORD
The phrase "his heart is firm" speaks of stability and settledness. It's about having a core conviction that doesn't easily get shaken by external circumstances.
This firmness isn't self-generated willpower; it's a direct result of "trusting in the LORD." When our trust is placed in something reliable and eternal – God Himself – our hearts can find a solid footing.
It means directing all our reliance, hope, and confidence towards God. This active trust becomes the bedrock upon which our emotional and mental stability is built, allowing us to face challenges without being swept away.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the covenant name of God in the Old Testament, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithful presence with His people. It is the name through which God reveals His redemptive character.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
A metaphorical way of describing the inner life—the seat of intellect, emotion, will, and moral decision-making. It is the core of human personality that determines one's response to God and truth.
samak · Hebrew Verb/Adjective
Describes a mind or spirit that is securely established, fixed, or anchored. In a biblical context, it implies a stability that comes from relying on God rather than changing circumstances.
batach · Hebrew Verb
The story of Job powerfully illustrates this verse; even as messenger after messenger brought devastating news, Job's heart, though grieving, remained tethered to the Lord, showing a profound trust amidst unimaginable loss.
Proverbs 10:24This proverb directly contrasts the fears of the wicked with the desires of the righteous, mirroring how 'evil tidings' might trouble the ungodly, but the righteous person's firm trust keeps them steady.
Isaiah 26:3This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 112:7 by promising steadfast peace to those whose minds are stayed on God, highlighting the profound connection between a fixed heart and divine protection from fear.
Luke 21:25-28Jesus speaks of 'signs in the sun and in the moon and in the stars' and distress among nations, but His counsel for believers is to stand firm and look up, because their redemption is drawing near, aligning with the 'not afraid of bad news' aspect.
Philippians 4:6-7This New Testament passage offers a practical application of Psalm 112:7, instructing believers to bring their requests to God through prayer and that the peace of God, guarding their hearts and minds, will transcend any 'evil tidings'.
pulpitPsalms 112:7: "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD."
Verse 7. - He shall not be afraid of evil tidings. Confident in God's goodness to wards him, he will not anticipate misfortunes. They may come, as even the best man is not exempt from them; but he will not meet them half-way. His heart is fixed; i.e. firmly established (see ver. 8) - settled on a sure basis - trusting in the Lord - the one basis that is solid and immovable.
clarkePsalms 112:7: "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD."
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings - He knows that God governs the world, therefore he fears not for futurity. And as to the calumnies of men, he fears them not, because his heart is fixed - determined to walk in the path of duty, whatever persecutions he may suffer, for he trusts in the Lord.
The verse emphasizes that "fear of evil tidings" isn't overcome by simply being brave, but by having a heart that is "fixed" – settled and established – on God. This isn't about ignoring danger, but about grounding your entire being in God's steadfastness, so that even when bad news comes, your inner core remains unshaken.
{ "author": "Traditionally attributed to David, though the Psalms are a collection by various authors over time.", "location": "Jerusalem, during the time of the monarchy.", "dateTime": "Likely composed between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.", "literaryStyle": "Wisdom poetry, characterized by its use of parallelism and didactic (teaching) content." }
{ "author": "Traditionally attributed to David, though the Psalms are a collection by various authors over time.", "location": "Jerusalem, during the time of the monarchy.", "dateTime": "Likely composed between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.", "literaryStyle": "Wisdom poetry, characterized by its use of parallelism and didactic (teaching) content." }
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A Hebrew term for the state of relying on or seeking refuge in God. It conveys a sense of confident dependence on His character, promises, and power.
"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD." — The verse emphasizes that "fear of evil tidings" isn't overcome by simply being brave, but by having a heart that is "fixed" – settled and established – on God. This isn't about ignoring danger, but…