Proverbs 12:26 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour Than any other man who is not righteous; that is, either, 1st, He is more excellent in his spirit and conduct, more just, benevolent, public-spirited, and merciful, &c.; or, 2d, In his condition, more happy, notwithstanding all his sufferings, and the contrary opinion of the world concerning him. He is even richer, though not in this world's goods, yet in the graces and comforts of the Holy Spirit, which are the true riches. There is a real excellence in religion: it ennobles men, gives them elevated views and expectations; inspires them with disinterested and generous principles; renders them sincere, constant, and faithful; and endues them with fortitude, patience, and peace. It has an excellence which, in the sight of God, who is an infallible judge of what is excellent, is of great price and value. His neighbour may make a greater figure in the world, and may be more applauded, but the righteous man has the intrinsic worth. But the way of the wicked seduceth them Hebrew, ותתעם, maketh them to err, or wander; that is, to fail of obtaining, or to lose, that advantage or happiness which they had promised themselves in and by their wicked practices. The way in which they walk seems to them to be not only a pleasant but the right way; it is so agreeable to flesh and blood, that they therefore flatter themselves with an opinion that it cannot be wrong; but they will not gain the point they aim at, nor enjoy the good they hope for. It is all a cheat; and therefore the righteous is wiser than his neighbours, who yet despise and trample upon him.