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I. THE CHARACTER HERE MENTIONED — "them that fear God." The fear of God is that principle which reverences God and respects His authority. It is one of the great blessings of the new covenant, produced in the heart by the Holy Spirit.

1. This fear is the result of regeneration. An unrenewed man does not fear God (Romans 3:18). But regeneration turns the heart from unlawful objects to God as the chief good.

2. This fear is the result of adoption. God is regarded as a Father, worthy of reverence and love.

3. This fear is manifested by hatred to that which is hateful to God.

4. Manifested by delighting in that which is pleasing to God. The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23). Delight in His house, in His people, in His service, etc.

5. This fear is submission to His will. Their will is revealed in His Word; it is manifested in His appointments. As to doctrines, ordinances and precepts, I do not follow my own mind. In afflictions I do not resist or repine. "It is the Lord; let Him do as seemeth good in His sight."

II. THE HAPPINESS HERE REFERRED TO — "It shall be well with them."

1. It is well with them already. Are they not saved from guilt and condemnation? Have they not hope? They "fear God," and from that principle arises their happiness.

2. It shall be well with them hereafter. They are under the conduct of Divine providence. God appoints the bounds of their habitations. It shall be well in adversity. Well in death. The retrospect of life will give no pain. "The righteous hath hope in His death." Well in the resurrection. The rearers of God will be raised to immortal life (Romans 8:11; Philippians 3:20, 21). Well in the judgment day. It shall be well with them then. It shall be well with them for ever — "Their sun shall no more go down."

III. THE CERTAINTY HERE AFFIRMED — "Surely I know."

1. I know from experience. I never found happiness in sin — I have found it in the fear of God.

2. I know it from observation. "Mark the perfect man." "Let me die the death of the righteous."

(Homilist.)

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KJV: Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him:

WEB: Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him.