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An eminent divine, eccentric but honest, said pleasantly and religiously that he was never afraid to open his letter bag. He was in full possession, we may conclude, of the "mens conscia recti," the upright consciousness. He lived, as he himself expressed it, with all his windows constantly wide open, that is, the world was ever welcome to fasten the prying inquisitive corner of its evil eye upon him and all his doings. Living thus honestly, as in the day, he had nought to fear from messenger or letter bag. He opened his daily letters fearlessly. That expression of Sydney Smith's was a familiar version of our text. It expresses the enviable calm of an honest and good heart. The first who feared was Adam. Guilt caused his fear. "I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid!" "Why?" "I was naked. My soul in its disobedience was exposed to the all-seeing Eye. I was uncovered of the robe of duty and obedience, and I dreaded punishment. I feared my physician's face." All along the pages of history runs a stream of like fear. Poor old Jacob, waiting his sons' second return from Egypt. The trembling mother, watching and awaiting the fate of her bulrush ark. David, lying upon the earth and listening with strained ear, to every faint whisper of the servants, as they spoke of his guilt-born child. Felix, wondering as he listened to each round period, how near and nearer judgment was coming. All these are examples of human nature afraid of evil tidings. But trusting in the Lord God, we need fear no evil, and no tidings of evil. The black seal will then only mean, "here is another messenger to tell me my own time draws near." The consumption, and the growing weakness, and all the other heralds of death will find us prepared with the utterance, "O God, my heart is fixed, my heart is fixed, I will even sing and give praise." The little harmless speculation, the haps of the regiment, the delay of the ship, the story about the son or daughter, the witness to our misdeed, the enemy, the slanderer, the possible danger, the probable affliction — all, everything, whatever betide, whatever befall, whatever may threaten — can then only bring out the calm declaration, "My heart is fixed — O God, Thou knowest my heart is fixed, trusting in Thee." There have been men, and women too, who have read with brave solemnity their own warrant of death; over whom the glittering axe has had no terrors, the fire and fagot no unworthy influence. Their heart has been fixed. Of all which this is the point. See that we have our hearts fixed upon God, our feet upon the Rock of Ages, our house built firmly, our sin's penalty transferred surely. Then we need fear no evil tidings.

(S. B. James, M.A.)

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

WEB: He will not be afraid of evil news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh.