Psalms 112:7

KJV

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall not be afraid {H3372} of evil {H7451} tidings {H8052}: his heart {H3820} is fixed {H3559}, trusting {H982} in the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will not be frightened by bad news; he remains steady, trusting in ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.

American Standard Version

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: His heart is fixed, trusting in Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 112:7 masterfully portrays the righteous individual whose profound and unwavering trust in the LORD cultivates an inner stability that renders them impervious to the debilitating fear often provoked by distressing news or adverse circumstances. This verse encapsulates the spiritual resilience and profound peace that flow from a heart firmly anchored in divine faithfulness, serving as a cornerstone for understanding the blessed life described throughout the psalm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 112 is a wisdom psalm, forming a crucial part of the "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 111-118), which typically commence or conclude with "Praise the LORD." It stands as a thematic counterpart to Psalm 111; while Psalm 111 extols the magnificent character and works of God, Psalm 112, in turn, meticulously describes the character and abundant blessings bestowed upon the person who reveres this great God. The psalm opens by declaring the profound blessedness of the one who [fears the LORD and delights greatly in His commandments](/psalms/112-1 "Psalm 112:1 - Blessed is the one who fears the Lord"). The subsequent verses elaborate on the prosperity, righteousness, generosity, and enduring influence of such an individual. Verse 7 specifically hones in on the psychological and spiritual fortitude of this righteous person, demonstrating that their external blessings are harmoniously matched by an internal peace and resolute disposition, even when confronted with disturbing realities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel, much like any society throughout history, was not immune to periods of profound uncertainty, including warfare, famine, economic hardship, and personal tragedies. "Evil tidings" (שְׁמוּעָה רָעָה, *shəmuʿah raʿah*) could encompass a wide array of calamitous reports, from news of military defeat or national disaster to personal ruin or the death of a loved one. In a world devoid of instant communication, news often traveled slowly and could be utterly devastating upon its delayed arrival. The cultural emphasis on communal well-being, divine blessing, and covenant faithfulness meant that both personal and national security were intricately interwoven with one's relationship with God. The concept of a "fixed heart" (נָכוֹן לִבּוֹ, *nakhon libbo*) would resonate deeply in a culture where inner stability, moral integrity, and steadfastness were highly esteemed as indicators of divine favor and true wisdom, standing in stark contrast to the wavering and fearful heart often associated with the wicked.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes present within Psalm 112 and the broader wisdom literature. The foremost theme is **Unwavering Trust in God**, portraying a reliance that is not superficial or circumstantial but profoundly rooted in the divine character, providing an unshakeable security against all external threats. This deep trust directly leads to **Freedom from Fear**, a profound spiritual liberation from the anxieties and debilitating dread that often plague those without such an anchor. The potent phrase "his heart is fixed" underscores the theme of **Steadfastness and Inner Stability**, indicating a resolute inner disposition that is not easily swayed or shaken by adverse circumstances, a quality consistently associated with the wise and righteous in biblical thought. Furthermore, the verse implicitly connects to the theme of **Righteousness and Peace**, suggesting that the blessedness promised to the righteous throughout the psalm includes an internal tranquility that allows them to face adversity with courage, echoing the broader promise of perfect peace for those whose minds are [stayed on God](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for the Trusting").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** Derived from the primitive root H3372, meaning "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." While it can denote a healthy reverence for God, in this context, it refers to a debilitating dread or terror. The verse asserts that the righteous person will not be overwhelmed by such fear when confronted with distressing news.
* **fixed (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** From the primitive root H3559, meaning "to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up... to establish, fix, prepare, apply... appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous; certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand." Here, it describes a heart that is securely established, steadfast, and resolute, not easily swayed or shaken by external pressures.
* **trusting (Hebrew, _bâṭach'_):** A primitive root H982, properly meaning "to hide for refuge; figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure; be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust." This word conveys a strong sense of leaning upon, relying on, or feeling secure in someone or something. When applied to the LORD, it signifies a complete and confident surrender to His sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness, believing that He is utterly dependable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings":** This opening clause presents the remarkable outcome of the righteous individual's spiritual disposition. "Evil tidings" (שְׁמוּעָה רָעָה, *shəmuʿah raʿah*) refers to distressing reports, bad news, or calamitous announcements. The promise is not that the righteous will be shielded from hearing such news, but rather that they will not be overcome by fear, panic, or despair when they encounter it. Their internal response is fundamentally different from those whose security is based on fleeting circumstances or human control.
* **"his heart is fixed":** This phrase provides the essential reason for the absence of fear. The "heart" (לֵב, *lev*, H3820) in Hebrew thought is the comprehensive center of one's being – encompassing intellect, will, emotion, and moral character. A "fixed" heart is one that is stable, resolute, and firmly established. It implies a deliberate act of the will and a settled disposition, indicating a deep inner fortitude that is not easily swayed or shaken by external pressures or disturbing reports.
* **"trusting in the LORD":** This concluding phrase reveals the ultimate source and anchor of the heart's stability. The "fixed" nature of the heart is not self-generated but is a direct result of placing unwavering confidence and reliance in Yahweh (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the self-Existent, Eternal, covenant-keeping God. It signifies an active, ongoing posture of faith, acknowledging God's sovereignty, power, and goodness as the ultimate reality, regardless of present circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 112:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound truth. The primary device is **Cause and Effect**, where the verse clearly articulates a consequence ("He shall not be afraid of evil tidings") and then immediately provides its underlying cause ("his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD"). This structure underscores the direct and logical connection between a steadfast trust in God and freedom from debilitating fear. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "his heart is fixed," where "heart" (לֵב, *lev*) represents the entirety of the inner person—their will, emotions, intellect, and moral core—emphasizing that this stability is deeply internal and holistic, not merely superficial. The verse also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, universally applicable truth about the character and experience of the righteous, which is characteristic of biblical wisdom literature. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the righteous person's fearless response and the natural human tendency to succumb to fear or the likely reaction of the wicked, thereby highlighting the unique security and peace found in God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 112:7 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that true security and freedom from debilitating fear are found not in the absence of adversity, but in a steadfast and unwavering trust in God. This verse intimately connects the internal disposition of the heart directly to one's external experience of peace amidst turmoil. It teaches that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, abiding reliance that anchors the soul, enabling resilience and fortitude in the face of life's inevitable challenges. This theological truth resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's unchanging character and faithfulness as the ultimate and most reliable ground for human confidence, regardless of the circumstances.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3 - Perfect Peace for those whose minds are stayed on God")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious, but pray with thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly saturated with "evil tidings"—from global crises and economic uncertainties to personal health challenges and relational strains—Psalms 112:7 offers a timeless and potent antidote to anxiety and despair. It challenges believers to move beyond a superficial or conditional faith to cultivate a deep, settled trust in the LORD that is robust enough to withstand the most unsettling news. This is not a call to ignorance or naive optimism, but to a profound spiritual discipline that consciously chooses to anchor the soul in God's unchanging character, sovereign control, and unfailing promises, rather than being tossed about by fluctuating circumstances or alarming reports. To have a "fixed heart" means intentionally directing one's thoughts, affections, and will towards God, allowing His truth and peace to shape our perception of reality more profoundly than any negative report. This verse invites us to experience a supernatural peace that transcends human understanding, a peace that is not the absence of trouble but the very presence of God in the midst of it, enabling us to face life with unwavering courage and confident hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "evil tidings" are currently causing me fear or anxiety, and how might I intentionally apply the truth of Psalms 112:7 to them?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a "fixed heart" that is more deeply trusting in the LORD day by day, even when circumstances are challenging?**
* **How does my initial response to distressing news reflect the depth of my trust in God, and what steps can I take to strengthen that trust and allow it to anchor my soul?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for a heart to be "fixed" in the biblical sense?**

Answer: In the biblical context, especially as seen in Psalms 112:7, a "fixed" heart (Hebrew: *nakhon libbo*, from H3559 *kûwn*) refers to a heart that is established, firm, resolute, and steadfast. It implies an inner stability and an unshakeable disposition that is not easily swayed or overwhelmed. This "fixedness" is not about being emotionally numb or uncaring, but about having a deep-seated conviction and trust in God that prevents one from being consumed by fear, even when confronted with difficult news or circumstances. This steadfastness is a result of a conscious and continuous choice to [trust in the LORD with all one's heart](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart").

**Does this verse mean believers will never experience fear or sadness?**

Answer: No, this verse does not suggest that believers are immune to normal human emotions like fear, sadness, or grief. Rather, it speaks to a profound spiritual resilience that prevents fear from becoming debilitating or consuming. The righteous person "shall not be afraid *of* evil tidings," meaning they will not be overcome by them, nor will they allow such news to dictate their ultimate inner state or lead them to despair. While they may feel initial apprehension, sorrow, or concern, their "heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD," which means their ultimate security, peace, and hope remain anchored in God. This prevents the fear from dominating their lives and enables them to face adversity with courage. This is akin to the supernatural peace that [guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God that guards hearts and minds").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 112:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the "fixed heart, trusting in the LORD," even in the face of the most terrifying "evil tidings"—the prospect of bearing the sins of the world and facing divine wrath. While in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus expressed profound anguish, even sweating drops of blood, yet His heart remained utterly fixed on His Father's will, praying, "[Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")". He faced the ultimate "evil tidings" of betrayal, unjust trial, brutal torture, and crucifixion without fear debilitating His divine mission, demonstrating a trust so absolute that He could confidently declare, "[It is finished](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Jesus' Last Words on the Cross")" even in death. Through His perfect life of obedience, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection, Christ became the very source of the steadfastness and unwavering trust promised in this psalm. Believers, by being united with Him through faith, receive His Spirit, enabling them to share in His victory over fear and to have their own hearts "fixed" by His indwelling presence. As [Paul triumphantly declares](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More than Conquerors through Christ"), we are "more than conquerors through Him that loved us," precisely because our trust is now placed in the risen Lord, who has overcome the world and its "evil tidings," offering us a peace that the world cannot give or take away, as He promised His disciples in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 26:3

Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Proverbs 1:33

But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

Psalms 57:7

¶ My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Psalms 118:6

The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Proverbs 3:25

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

Proverbs 3:26

For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.