Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Near the end of his letter, Paul turns to the inner life of the mind, instructing the Philippians on what to dwell upon as they live out their faith.
What Does Philippians 4:8 Mean?
Paul directs believers to fill their minds deliberately with what is good, listing six qualities worth dwelling on and summing them up with a call to think on these things. The repeated "whatsoever things" sweeps broadly, inviting believers to seek out the good wherever it is found. The list is rich: things "true" (real and reliable), "honest" (honorable and dignified), "just" (right and fair), "pure" (morally clean), "lovely" (pleasing and worthy of affection), and "of good report" (admirable, well-spoken-of). Paul then broadens further -- "if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise" -- leaving nothing genuinely excellent outside the scope.
The crucial command is "think on these things." The verb means to consider carefully, to reckon and dwell upon -- a deliberate discipline of the mind, not a passive drift. Paul knows that the direction of one's thoughts shapes the direction of one's life; what we habitually contemplate forms who we become. This is the practical companion to the peace of God just promised: a guarded heart and a well-directed mind go together. For the reader, the verse is both freeing and demanding -- freeing, because it invites attention to all that is genuinely good; demanding, because it calls for the active, ongoing work of choosing what fills the mind rather than letting it be shaped by whatever happens to come.
In the Original Language
The verb "logizomai" (think) means to reckon, consider, or dwell upon deliberately; "aretē" (virtue) denotes moral excellence, a term prized in the surrounding culture.
Cross References
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
- Romans 12:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
- Colossians 3:2
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
- 2 Corinthians 10:5
Application
Take charge of what fills your mind, deliberately directing your thoughts toward what is true, honorable, and good rather than what corrodes the soul.