He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that a steady heart, rooted in trust in God, makes one impervious not just to fear, but to being "afraid of bad news" – it's not that bad news won't happen, but the terror it inspires is neutralized. This peace isn't about denying reality, but about having a foundation so solid that even dire reports can't destabilize the core of who you are.
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a psalm describing the character and blessings of those who fear the Lord. It follows verses that highlight their uprightness, grace, and good reputation, even in darkness. The psalm continues to explain that such a person's heart is established and they will not be afraid, even when facing enemies or hardship.
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes the news is just plain bad. How can we face it without crumbling?
This verse paints a picture of incredible resilience. The person described "shall not be afraid of evil tidings." This isn't about being reckless or ignorant of danger. It's about a deep-seated security that fear doesn't control.
What Are "Evil Tidings"?
Think of alarming reports, disastrous news, or even the rumors of approaching calamities. In ancient times, this could mean invasion, famine, or plague. Today, it might be a scary diagnosis, job loss, or global crises.
The Source of Fearlessness
This courage doesn't come from within ourselves. It's a gift that arises from a profound trust in God's overarching governance and goodness. Even when surrounded by chaos, the righteous know God is still in control.
What does it mean for your heart to be "fixed"? It’s more than just a feeling; it's a deep-seated stability.
The foundation of not fearing bad news is a "fixed heart, trusting in the LORD." The word translated "fixed" suggests stability, being established, or being settled.
The Anchor of the Soul
Imagine a ship in a storm. Without a strong anchor, it’s tossed about by every wave. Our hearts, too, can be easily swayed by circumstances. A "fixed heart" is one that is anchored securely.
Trust as the Basis
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And where is this anchor cast? "Trusting in the LORD." This isn't a passive wish; it's an active reliance on God's character, His promises, and His sovereign power. It's the belief that God is good and faithful, even when external circumstances suggest otherwise.
When our trust is firmly placed in the Lord, our hearts find a stability that the loudest bad news cannot shake.
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
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.
This passage shows Job's profound trust in the Lord even after losing everything, mirroring the psalmist's steadfast heart in the face of devastating news.
Proverbs 3:5-6These verses directly link trusting in the LORD with Him directing your paths, underscoring the foundation of the righteous person's lack of fear described in Psalms 112:7.
Isaiah 26:3This verse speaks of God keeping in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him, reflecting the 'fixed heart' that is not afraid of bad news because it trusts in the Lord.
Matthew 6:34Jesus' teaching not to worry about tomorrow directly supports the psalmist's description, as a heart fixed on God's provision and sovereignty is not consumed by fear of future troubles.
Philippians 4:6-7This passage shows how prayer and making requests known to God, rather than anxiety, leads to the peace that guards the heart and mind, a spiritual reality that allows believers to face bad news without fear.
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 highlights that a steady heart, rooted in trust in God, makes one impervious not just to fear, but to being "afraid of bad news" – it's not that bad news won't happen, but the terror it inspires is neutralized. This peace isn't about denying reality, but about having a foundation so solid that even dire reports can't destabilize the core of who you are.
This verse is part of a psalm describing the character and blessings of those who fear the Lord. It follows verses that highlight their uprightness, grace, and good reputation, even in darkness. The psalm continues to explain that such a person's heart is established and they will not be afraid, even when facing enemies or hardship.
This verse is part of a psalm describing the character and blessings of those who fear the Lord. It follows verses that highlight their uprightness, grace, and good reputation, even in darkness. The psalm continues to explain that such a person's heart is established and they will not be afraid, even when facing enemies or hardship.
"He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD." — The verse highlights that a steady heart, rooted in trust in God, makes one impervious not just to fear, but to being "afraid of bad news" – it's not that bad news won't happen, but the terror it i…
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Last reviewed October 2026