“Think On These Things”
by Micky Galloway
Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
The apostle has been discussing things necessary to our spiritual health. “Rejoice in the Lord” (verse 4), “let your forbearance (gentle spirit NASVU) be known unto all men,” being aware of the Lord’s nearness (verse 5), don’t worry, but pray with thanksgiving (verse 6). With all these things in place now Paul writes in concluding this section, “think on these things …” (verse 8). If we are to succeed in growing spiritually, we must learn to control our thoughts. Some have made the false claims that to be well and prosperous physically we just have to have a positive mental attitude. Consequently, there are many motivational speakers and bookstores filled with motivational books and other positive thinking materials. While it is true that we must, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23), it is not true that we can control our physical health and prosperity simply by thinking positively. The apostle is discussing how to grow in our spiritual lives. Very simply put, if a person will keep his heart from meditating on sinful conduct, he will keep his life free from sin. Every sin man commits comes from the heart; i.e. he allowed himself to think about it. “But the things which proceed out of the mouth come forth out of the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man …” (Matthew 15:18-20). The apostle said that we are to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5). So “finally” brethren, what are we to do?
Think on these things …The Psalmist emphasized the importance of meditating on the word of God in Psalms 119. “Thy word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (verse 11). “I will meditate on thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways” (verse 15). “Princes also sat and talked against me; (but) thy servant did meditate on thy statutes” (verse 23). “I will lift up my hands also unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate on thy statutes” (verse 48). “Let the proud be put to shame; for they have overthrown me wrongfully: (but) I will meditate on thy precepts” (verse 78).
Specifically:
“Whatsoever things are true.” It is the opposite of what is false. This addresses the very character of a man. We must not only tell the truth, but walk the truth as well (cf. I John 1:6-8). We must be true to ourselves, others, and especially to God.
“Whatsoever things are honorable.” This has to do with things that seem to be lost to today’s world. It involves things that are noble (NKJV, NIV), dignified, or venerable (The Complete Word Study Dictionary). Arndt and Gingrich define the term as meaning “honorable, worthy, venerable, holy” (754). The ASV, RSV, NASB uses the word “honorable.” The word “reverend” is in the footnote of the ASV. The Christian should think on things that are dignified and sacred in character, whatever is worthy of honor in the sight of God and men.
“Whatsoever things are just.” Think on the things that are right before God and deal rightly with our fellow man. There is a right way and a wrong way of looking at things. We are to think upon “right” things and then do them because they are right. Of course, that implies there is an absolute standard of “right.” “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
“Whatsoever things are pure.” Thayer includes in his definition, “pure from carnality, chaste, modest.” Therefore, that which leaves no blot on the conscience and no stain on the character. That would include purity in all the relations of life (cf. I Timothy 4:8; 5:22; James 3:17; I John 3:3).
“Whatsoever things are lovely.” That which is attractive, agreeable, amiable, pleasing. Things characterized by these qualities call forth love. Those things that would cause others to endear themselves to you. My Mother used to say, “Pretty is as pretty does.” Attractiveness is a quality from within, not something you wear as makeup or a garment.
“Whatsoever things are of good report.” Arndt and Gingrich define this as “auspicious, well sounding, praiseworthy, attractive, pleasing” (AG 327). The NIV translates the word “admirable.” These things not only make us attractive to God, but others.
“If there be any virtue.” This is any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity (II Peter 1:3, 5) (Thayer).
“If there be any praise.” Something that is worthy of praise. Christians should not be concerned so much, then, about human recognition, but that which God would praise. Paul sought not the praise of men (Galatians 1:11), but stated, “Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto Him” (II Corinthians 5:9).
“Think on these things.” Christians cannot fill their minds with moral filth and not expect the devil’s allurements and temptations to affect them. He is described as “our adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). He is not under a “stay at home” order! For this reason, God commanded that His children think on things which are the right things. Conscious of this, David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer” (Psalms 19:14).