Nehemiah 12:43

Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

Ver. 43. For God had made them rejoice with great joy] By giving them both matter of joy, and hearts to do it aright. Crede mihi res severa est verum gaudium, saith Seneca, true joy is a severe business. Quid nobis cum fabulis, cum risu? saith Bernard. What have we to do with jesting and pastime, &c.? we have meat to eat, pleasure to take, that the world knows not of; we can let out our souls into God the fountain of all good, and rejoice in his word, as one that findeth great spoil, wherein the pleasure is as much as the profit, Psalms 119:162 .