1. As we read this verse, it shows why good men, when they come to
understand things aright, will not envy the prosperity of evil-doers.
When they see the house of the wicked, how full it is perhaps of all
the good things of this life, they are tempted to envy; but when they
wisely consider it, when they look upon it with an eye of faith, when
they see God overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness, that there
is a curse upon their habitation which will certainly be the ruin of it
ere long, they see more reason to despise them, or pity them, than to
fear or envy them. 2. Some give another sense of it: The righteous man
(the judge or magistrate, that is entrusted with the execution of
justice, and the preservation of public peace) examines the house of
the wicked, searches it for arms or for stolen goods, makes a diligent
enquiry concerning his family and the characters of those about him,
that he may by his power overthrow the wicked for their wickedness and
prevent their doing any further mischief, that he may fire the nests
where the birds of prey are harboured or the unclean birds.