Christians Encouraged Against the Fear of Man
E. Cooper. Isaiah 51:7-8 Listen to me, you that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear you not the reproach of men… I. THE PERSONS ADDRESSED. 1. Those who "know righteousness." 2. They have the law of God in their heart. II. THE ADDRESS MADE TO THEM. "Hearken unto Me," etc. 1. Let us remember who is the speaker of these words. 2. The address may be considered as containing an encouraging exhortation enforced by powerful arguments. 3. Consider by what powerful arguments this exhortation is enforced: They who now revile the people of God will quickly be brought to an end. If their malice be not extinguished, yet the means of gratifying it will be no more. They are mortals, and as such they must soon die. 4. On the other hand, "My righteousness (saith the Lord) shall be for ever, and My salvation from generation to generation." In vain do ungodly men speak evil of His cause. It shall survive all their attacks; and shall increase, when they who reviled, or opposed it, shall be silent in darkness. In vain are His people reproached. They cannot be really injured by such attempts. (E. Cooper.) Parallel Verses KJV: Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. WEB: "Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; don't fear the reproach of men, neither be dismayed at their insults.