Psalms 52:6,7

And the righteous shall see, and fear,

And shall laugh at him, (saying),

Lo, &c.

The first impression produced by the sight is that of fear; not alarm, but awe; a deeper reverence for God and His government of the world: the next impression that of scorn and derision (Psalms 2:4) for the braggart who trusted in his wealth. Such rejoicing is no mere vindictive triumph at the wicked man's ruin. Malicious satisfaction at the calamity of the wicked is condemned in the O.T.; see Job 31:29; Proverbs 24:17. But inasmuch as the judgement of the wicked is an illustration and proof of the government of God, it must be welcomed with joy by the righteous. Cp. Revelation 18:20; Revelation 19:1 ff. It must be remembered moreover that the apparently unchecked prosperity of the wicked was a sore trial of faith to those whose view of God's working was limited to this world. They naturally and rightly desired a vindication of His righteousness, and rejoiced when they saw it. See further Introd. pp. lxxxviii ff, and cp. Psalms 58:10 f; Psalms 64:7 ff; Psalms 5:11, note.