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The righteous here meant are those right with God.

I. ITS FOUNDATION IS GOOD: "The righteous is an everlasting foundation" (ver. 25), therefore not swept away, as too often the hopes of the wicked.

II. "THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL NEVER BE MOVED" (ver. 30). Confidence in this brings gladness to the Christian's heart.

III. NO REMOVAL BY DEATH FROM GOD. The character they bear is a security against death. "Righteousness delivereth from death" (ver. 2).

IV. THE FACT THAT THE RIGHTEOUS HAVE AN ALMIGHTY KEEPER AND PROVIDER MAKES THEIR HOPE ONE OF GLADNESS."The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish" (ver. 3).

V. Thus we see "THE LABOUR OF THE RIGHTEOUS TENDETH TO LIFE" (ver. 16). Careful, thoughtful, systematic in whatever employment he chooses, he so works that the labour itself promotes life.

VI. Thus another reason why the hope of the righteous is gladness is the assurance: "THE DESIRE OF THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE GRANTED."

VII. Thus another reason for his gladness: "THE LIPS OF THE RIGHTEOUS FEED MANY" (ver. 21). The righteous man, being a student of the Word of God, and treasuring His precepts in the heart, is able to employ his lips in feeding many.

VIII. IN THE USE OF HIS LIPS TO BLESS OTHERS ANOTHER REASON IS FOUND FOR HIS GLADNESS: "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable" (ver. 32) The right words are spoken to the helpfulness of others and to the glory of God.

IX. A final reason for the hope of the righteous bringing gladness is found IN THAT HIS RESOURCES ARE UNFAILING: "The mouth of the righteous man is a well of life" (ver. 11). He has in himself a living well, and a well as drawn from is life-giving. Such is the assurance of the Master: "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6:63).

(G. H. Morss.)

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KJV: The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

WEB: The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish.