What the Bible says about Joy, Carnal
(From Forerunner Commentary)
Carnal joy is temporary because it is based in self-centeredness. By the lifestyles of the average, unconverted person, we can easily see that they live their lives according to the saying, "Ignorance is bliss!" But God tells His people not to rejoice like the world. It is better to have sorrow in humility than joy in pride.
Martin G. Collins
Joy
Solomon admits that his quest rewarded him with a certain amount of joy, but he still found it unsatisfactory. We might think that with all his wealth, good health, and a discerning mind, he would have had joy in abundance. What he accomplished, however, did not leave him with an enduring sense of well-being because his search continued after this experiment ended. He seems so frustrated that he says we should seize the joy as it comes along and be content with it (verse 24). His ultimate conclusion, found in verse 26, is that God determines whether we experience joy.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fruit of the Spirit: JoyRelated Topics: Abundance | Accomplishment, Sense of | Contentment | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Joy | Fruits of the Spirit | Frustration, Sense of | Joy | Joy, Carnal | Joy, God gives | Pleasure | Pleasure, Carnal | Pleasure, Sensual | Pleasure, Worldly | Solomon | Solomon's Discontent and Frustration | Well-being , Sense of | Worldly Pleasure
Self-indulgence leads to excessive striving for yet more worldly pleasure. For those whose chief aim in life is sensual pleasure, there is never enough to satisfy. Self-indulgence can lead to full-blown addiction. Without God's truth of the coming resurrections of mankind, men see no reason to refrain from a life of pleasure and dissipation, ending in death.
Martin G. Collins
Overcoming (Part 8): Self-IndulgenceRelated Topics: Addictions | Dissipation | Joy | Joy, Carnal | Pleasure | Pleasure, Carnal | Pleasure, Sensual | Pleasure, Worldly | Self Indulgence | Worldly Pleasure
God wants young people to enjoy this exciting time of their lives and to be happy. But, being God, He knows that youthful ambitions and energies can get a person into trouble. Such troubles have happened many times to young people in God's church. Thus, with His encouragement He gives a gentle warning: As young people follow their impulses and desires, they need to realize that God will evaluate all they think and do against His teaching.
This applies equally to all of us in all age groups. We must seek joy and happiness within the boundaries of God's moral standards. He promises to bring us into account for all our activities (Romans 2:5-11).
Clyde Finklea
My Parents Won't Let Me!Related Topics: Desire | Desire, Inordinate | Godly Happiness | Godly Joy | Godly Pleasure | Godly Standards | Happiness | Joy | Joy of Christ | Joy, Carnal | Joy, God gives | Obedience | Obedience to God's Law | Spiritual Happiness | Spiritual Pleasure | Youthful Indiscretion
Solomon is urging this because, when God is neglected, the capacity for having joy in one's life is diminished. He is saying, "Get started now, when you're young!"
John W. Ritenbaugh
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)Related Topics: Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Joy | Joy | Joy, Carnal | Joy, God gives | Seeing God | Seeking God Early | Seeking God First | Youthful Indiscretion