Their possession was a dream] their privation, real.
Thou shalt despise their image. ] While destitute of true religion, whatever appearance they had of greatness, nobility, honour, and happiness; yet in the sight of God they had no more than the ghost or shade of excellence which God is said here to despise. Who would be rich at such risk and dishonour?
Verses 15-20 - The psalmist having shown the progress of his temptation, shows ho faith and graceprevailed. He kept up respect for God's people, an with that he restrained himself from speaking what he had though amiss. It is a sign that we repent of the evil thoughts of the heart if we suppress them. Nothing gives more offence to God's children, tha to say it is vain to serve God; for there is nothing more contrary to their universal experience. He prayed to God to make this matter plai to him; and he understood the wretched end of wicked people; even in the height of their prosperity they were but ripening for ruin. The sanctuary must be the resort of a tempted soul. The righteous man' afflictions end in peace, therefore he is happy; the wicked man' enjoyments end in destruction, therefore he is miserable. The prosperity of the wicked is short and uncertain, slippery places. Se what their prosperity is; it is but a vain show, it is only a corrup imagination, not substance, but a mere shadow; it is as a dream, whic may please us a little while we are slumbering, yet even then i disturbs our repose.
