The joy here spoken of is a real joy. It is a fruit of the Spirit. The renewed man has been taught to see the difference between true and counterfeit good. He loves God and holy living, because he is convinced that "godliness is great gain;" and he rejoices in the assurances of faith that godliness is his. The more godly he is, the more joy he has. Nothing interferes with his joy but sin. It flows from God, like water from the fountain, pure, though sin may embitter and discolour it. It shines like light from the Sun of Righteousness, though sin may so sully the windows of the soul through which it passes, as to dim its brightness.

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