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6. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The comparison between the righteous and the wicked, always turns in favor of the righteous. Even in treasure (Verses 16, 17; 3:33), the world's idol, he exceeds. For though his house may be destitute of money, yet is there much treasure; often unseen (2 Corinthians 6:10), yet such, that the revenues of the wicked, compared with it, sink into nothing. Divine Teaching alone can convey any just apprehension of it. (1 Corinthians 2:9.) Even eternity cannot fully grasp it; as throughout eternity it will be progressively increasing. ‘Drop millions of gold, boundless revenues, ample territories, crowns and scepters; and a poor contemptible worm lays his One God against all of them.’† The treasures of the wicked are too much for their good, and too little for their lust. They cannot satisfy their senses, much less their souls. (Ecclesiastes 5:10.) They may “take wings” (Chapter 23:5) at any moment; and, while they continue, unlike the treasures of the righteous (Chapter 10:22), they are burdened with trouble. (Ecclesiastes 4:6.) But is it not the crown of the Christian's crown, and the glory of his glory, that his portion is so full, that he cannot desire more? All the excellences of the creation are only dark shadows of its more substantial excellency. What a mercy to be delivered from the idolatrous bait, so ruinous alike to our present peace and eternal welfare! (1 Timothy 6:9, 10.) But a greater mercy still, to be enriched with that treasure, beyond the reach of harm, that raises to heaven; a portion in God, his favor, his image, his everlasting joy.
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