Philippians 4:8
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Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Summary of all his exhortations as to relative duties, whether as children or parents, husbands or wives, friends, neighbors, men in the intercourse of the world, &c. true--sincere, in words. honest--Old English for "seemly," namely, in action; literally, grave, dignified. just--towards others. pure--"chaste," in relation to ourselves. lovely--lovable (compare Mar 10:21; Luk 7:4-5). of good report--referring to the absent (Phi 1:27); as "lovely" refers to what is lovable face to face. if there be any virtue--"whatever virtue there is" [ALFORD]. "Virtue," the standing word in heathen ethics, is found once only in Paul's Epistles, and once in Peter's (Pe2 1:5); and this in uses different from those in heathen authors. It is a term rather earthly and human, as compared with the names of the spiritual graces which Christianity imparts; hence the rarity of its occurrence in the New Testament. Piety and true morality are inseparable. Piety is love with its face towards God; morality is love with its face towards man. Despise not anything that is good in itself; only let it keep its due place. praise--whatever is praiseworthy; not that Christians should make man's praise their aim (compare Joh 12:43); but they should live so as to deserve men's praise. think on--have a continual regard to, so as to "do" these things (Phi 4:9) whenever the occasion arises.
Open source ↗Exhortations to several Christian duties, as stedfastness, unanimity, joy, etc. (Phi 4:1-9). The apostle's grateful acknowledgments of the Philippians' kindness to him, with expressions of his own content, and desire of their good (Phi 4:10-19). He concludes the epistle with praise, salutations, and blessing (Phi 4:20-23).
Open source ↗4:8 Paul urges the Philippians to focus on God’s good gifts so that, even during suffering and persecution, their lives will be exemplary and their minds and hearts will be filled with peace (4:7, 9).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.