Rejoice not for joy as other people do... In other words, they did not increase themselves honorably but rather instead of trusting the Lord and leaning on Him they sold themselves out to other nations, other idols so their joy is diminished and is turned into shame.
When saints get off the good path to mix with the world and cast off the good things of God they are worse off than those who never knew the way; they may try but they cannot joy as others do, it is because they know they are in violation of everything sacred and holy. They try and they try but deep down they know they have departed from the good path and their joy will never be complete. Those who never knew the good way do not know any better and since they have never tasted anything better they think they have joy and success. Those who once knew a better way know what could be so the result it that their joy is greatly diminished.
In the good and holy path there are pleasures and joy that the sinner never knows. For the modern believer he will experience the true joy Jesus was talking about when He declared "I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly." and "That my joy might remain in you and that your joy be full." as they continue on the good path. But the way of the transgressor is hard and fraught with many difficulties and they cannot joy as do other men. Dear reader strive for the good path, preserve the sanctity of the way and good conscience in order to maintain a blood washed conscience and true peace and joy.
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