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I. IN LIFE.

1. The difference is real, not imaginary. It is in the inward disposition, as well as in the outward conduct.

2. The difference is manifest. The ruling disposition, which is the life of character, and which is essentially different in both, makes itself known by its fruit.

3. The difference is increasing. These two characters continue to show forth their difference, and to go further from each other for ever.

II. IN DEATH. "The wicked is driven away in his wickedness" —

1. As by a storm. He has no foundation to stand upon. He has no hold upon anything real, lasting.

2. As a culprit is led away to his execution. There is no resignation on his part to a superior will than his own. He views the past with remorse, and anticipates the unknown future with gloom and fear. "But the righteous hath hope in his death." This is an indication of strength, not weakness. He hath hope, even in death, when all things that are seen vanish away.Some reasons for his hope:

1. The Bible, as he reads it and believes it; the light which came from heaven drives away the gloom of the dark valley, and reveals the land beyond.

2. He is at peace with God. God is known by him as his Father, Friend, and Saviour. Love to God, in his heart, has put away fear.

3. He is confident that his Redeemer has absolute control over all things; that He is Lord of the future. His hope, therefore, is such that, like Fuller, he is not afraid to plunge into eternity. The text is a proof of a belief in a future state of rewards and punishments in the time of Solomon.

(Homiletic Monthly.)

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KJV: The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.

WEB: The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.