What is the explanation of the saying of Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him: "Whoever wishes to follow an example, let him follow the example of those who have passed away, for the living are not safe from temptation," and how does it apply to reality?

The saying of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, "Whoever wishes to follow a path, let him follow the path of those who have died, for the living are not safe from trials..." is a well-known narration, and its meaning is sound among the Ahl al-Sunnah. Its intent is that whoever wishes to tread a path to his Lord should not imitate the living, because the living are not safe from trials. Rather, he should follow the path of the righteous predecessors among the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, for Allah and His Messenger have praised them and commanded that we refer to them and act upon their sayings. The Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah have agreed that the best generations are the Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and that they are superior to those who came after them in every virtue, and that they are the most suitable for clarifying every difficult matter.