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This may be argued —

1. From the fact that it is not founded on the favour of God.

2. From the uncertain and temporary nature of the very elements of which it is composed.

(1)  The good opinion of others.

(2)  The honesty and trustworthiness of our fellow-men.

(3)  Deceitful, uncertain riches.

3. From the fact that the very habits to which that prosperity gives rise, may acquire such strength as to destroy it. Napoleon Bonaparte is an illustrious instance of the power of that habit of overgrown, lawless ambition, which in one luckless hour can ruin the splendid fortunes of an empire.

4. From the fact that their own consciences are not thoroughly reconciled to their prosperity, and the pangs and forebodings of conscience can soon embitter and destroy the very essence of worldly fortune.

5. The known uncertainty of life haunts the wicked with a dread that destroys the baseless joys of their prosperity.

(D. L. Carroll, D. D.)

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KJV: When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

WEB: When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;