◄ Psalm 112:7 ►
He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Study Bible
He will not fear
The phrase "He will not fear" speaks to a profound sense of security and confidence. In the Hebrew text, the word for "fear" is "yare," which often denotes a deep, paralyzing fear. The righteous person described here is not subject to such fear, indicating a spiritual maturity and trust in God that transcends circumstances. This absence of fear is not due to ignorance of potential dangers but is rooted in a deep faith and assurance in God's sovereignty and goodness.

bad news
"Bad news" refers to any report or event that could potentially cause distress or anxiety. In the ancient world, as in today, news of war, famine, or personal loss could easily unsettle individuals. The Hebrew word used here, "ra," can mean evil, distress, or adversity. The righteous person's lack of fear in the face of such news highlights a life anchored in divine promises rather than worldly circumstances. This reflects a biblical principle that true peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God.

his heart is steadfast
The phrase "his heart is steadfast" conveys a sense of inner stability and resilience. The Hebrew word for "steadfast" is "kun," which means to be firm, established, or secure. This steadfastness is a result of a heart that is fixed on God, unshaken by external events. In biblical times, the heart was seen as the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. A steadfast heart is one that remains constant in faith and purpose, regardless of life's challenges.

trusting in the LORD
"Trusting in the LORD" is the foundation of the righteous person's fearlessness and steadfastness. The Hebrew word for "trusting" is "batach," which implies a sense of security and confidence. This trust is not a passive hope but an active reliance on God's character and promises. The use of "LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes a personal relationship with the covenant-keeping God of Israel. Throughout scripture, trusting in the LORD is portrayed as the ultimate source of strength and peace, as it aligns one's life with God's will and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Righteous Man
The primary subject of Psalm 112, representing those who live in accordance with God's will and commandments.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and relationship with His people.

3. Bad News
Represents trials, challenges, or adverse circumstances that may arise in life.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Sovereignty
The righteous man does not fear bad news because he trusts in God's ultimate control over all circumstances.

Steadfast Heart
A heart that is firm and unwavering is cultivated through a deep, personal relationship with God.

Response to Adversity
The believer's response to bad news should be characterized by faith and trust, not fear or anxiety.

Cultivating Trust
Regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers strengthen our trust in the LORD.

Witness to Others
A steadfast heart in the face of adversity serves as a powerful testimony to others about the peace and security found in God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a "steadfast heart" in Psalm 112:7 challenge your current response to difficult situations?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in the LORD, as described in this verse?

3. How does the assurance of God's sovereignty help you face "bad news" in your life?

4. Can you identify a time when your response to adversity served as a witness to others? How did it reflect the principles in Psalm 112:7?

5. How do the additional scriptures connected to Psalm 112:7 reinforce the message of trusting in the LORD?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 3:5-6
This passage emphasizes trusting in the LORD with all your heart, similar to the steadfast trust described in Psalm 112:7.

Philippians 4:6-7
Paul speaks about the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds, which aligns with the idea of a steadfast heart in the face of bad news.

Isaiah 26:3
This verse highlights the perfect peace given to those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in God, paralleling the theme of trust in Psalm 112:7.
Sermons
Established on GodA. E. Hooper.Psalm 112:7
HeartseasePsalm 112:7
Not Afraid of Evil TidingsS. B. James, M.A.Psalm 112:7
Not Afraid of Evil TidingsS. Conway Psalm 112:7
The Fixed CompassW. Arnot, D.D.Psalm 112:7
The Unreasonableness of Fear in the ChristianAnon.Psalm 112:7
Trust in God the Best Antidote Against FearA. Swanston.Psalm 112:7
Trust-Triumph Over FearsR. Tuck Psalm 112:7
Genuine PietyHomilistPsalm 112:1-10
The Blessed LifeS. Conway Psalm 112:1-10
The Blessedness of the Eminently GoodC. Short Psalm 112:1-10
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Afraid, Bad, Confident, Confiding, Evil, Fear, Firm, Fixed, Heart, Hope, News, Prepared, Report, Steadfast, Stedfast, Tidings, Trusting
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 112:7

     8031   trust, importance

Psalm 112:6-8

     5290   defeat

Psalm 112:7-8

     5017   heart, renewal
     5766   attitudes, to life

Library
Letter viii (Circa A. D. 1130) to Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor
To Gilbert, Bishop of London, Universal Doctor He praises Gilbert, who practised poverty in the station of Bishop. The report of your conduct has spread far and wide, and has given to those whom it has reached an odour of great sweetness. The love of riches is extinct; what sweetness results! charity reigns; what a delight to all! All recognise you for a truly wise man, who has trodden under foot the great enemy with true wisdom; and this is most worthy of your name and of your priesthood. It was …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

How those are to be Admonished who Desire not the Things of Others, but Keep their Own; and those who Give of their Own, yet Seize
(Admonition 22.) Differently to be admonished are those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own, and those who give of what they have, and yet desist not from seizing on what belongs to others. Those who neither desire what belongs to others nor bestow what is their own are to be admonished to consider carefully that the earth out of which they are taken is common to all men, and therefore brings forth nourishment for all in common. Vainly, then, do those suppose …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Characters and Names of Messiah
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. S uch was the triumphant exultation of the Old Testament Church! Their noblest hopes were founded upon the promise of MESSIAH; their most sublime songs were derived from the prospect of His Advent. By faith, which is the substance of things hoped for, they considered the gracious declarations …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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