The verse Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” This verse encourages us to focus our thoughts on what is good and praiseworthy rather than dwelling on negative or unhelpful things. Let’s explore the meaning and application of this verse more fully:
The Context of Philippians 4:8
Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Philippi from prison (Philippians 1:13). Despite his difficult circumstances, Paul encouraged the Philippians to rejoice and not be anxious (Philippians 4:4-6). After exhorting Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord (Philippians 4:2-3), Paul provided practical instruction on godly living. He challenged the Philippians to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8). This exhortation follows Paul’s teaching on rejoicing, gentleness, lack of anxiety, and prayer (Philippians 4:4-7). Setting our minds on godly virtues results in the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7). By emphasizing virtuous thinking, Paul reminds the Philippians how to live in a manner worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27).
The Meaning of “Whatever is True”
The virtues listed in Philippians 4:8 can be grouped into two categories – truth and beauty. By instructing us to focus on what is true, Paul emphasizes the importance of truth. As Christians, we serve a God of truth (Psalm 31:5) whose word is truth (John 17:17). Jesus declared, “I am…the truth” (John 14:6). Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s truth in our thinking and conduct (Ephesians 4:25, 5:9). This means we should meditate on God’s truth revealed in Scripture and through Christ’s life and teaching. We must align our thoughts with God’s perspective, rather than believing lies or accepting false philosophies. As we set our minds on God’s truth, we will better discern truth from deception (Hebrews 5:14).
The Meaning of “Whatever is Honorable”
In addition to thinking about what is true, Paul instructs us to reflect on what is honorable or worthy of respect. The Greek word translated “honorable” can also mean dignified, reverent, or noble. As Christians, we are called to honor God and others (Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 2:17). Our thoughts should align with God’s honorable character and commands. We can ask ourselves, “Would this thought align with how God wants me to live?” Focusing our minds on what is honorable guards us from thinking proud, lustful, envious, or deceitful thoughts. Instead, we reflect God’s nobility in our attitudes and conduct.
The Meaning of “Whatever is Just”
Paul also tells us to ponder what is just or right. As believers, we serve a righteous God who instructs us to act justly (Micah 6:8). Jesus redeemed us to purify for Himself a people zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Therefore, as citizens of God’s kingdom, we must reject unjust or unethical thoughts. Our thinking should align with God’s standards of justice instead of the world’s warped perspectives. We should meditate on how to love others rightly and live in a blameless, righteous manner.
The Meaning of “Whatever is Pure”
In addition to ethical principles like truth and justice, Paul mentions moral qualities for us to reflect upon. He tells us to focus our minds on what is pure or holy. Followers of Jesus have been sanctified by Christ and called to reject sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:7). We must turn from impure thoughts and instead meditate on what is holy and honorable before God. Setting our minds on moral purity will protect us from the enemy’s temptations and equip us to glorify God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
The Meaning of “Whatever is Lovely”
Paul also instructs Christians in Philippi to focus on what is lovely or pleasing. The Greek word used here refers to things that inspire love and affection. As believers, we serve a loving, gracious God who desires intimate relationship with us. We glorify Him by reflecting His beauty, goodness, and lovingkindness in our thoughts and lives. Our minds should dwell on thoughts that inspire love for God and others. Meditating on God’s lovely character increases our love and gratitude towards Him.
The Meaning of “Whatever is Commendable”
In addition to setting our thoughts on what is lovely, Paul exhorts us to reflect on what is commendable or admirable. Our minds should dwell on things worthy of respect and honor. We can ask ourselves, “Would others praise this thought or action?” Focusing on virtuous thoughts inspires us toward righteous living that displays “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Peter 3:4). Meditating on what is commendable increases thankfulness to God for His work in our lives.
The Meaning of “If There is Any Excellence”
Paul also encourages us to ponder anything excellent or morally good. As Christians, we serve an excellent God who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, we must set our minds on thoughts that align with God’s excellent moral character. Excellence should distinguish our thinking and conduct as followers of Christ. We reflect our Master when focusing our thoughts on righteousness, goodness, and virtue.
The Meaning of “If There is Anything Worthy of Praise”
Lastly, Paul challenges Christians to meditate on anything praiseworthy. We serve a God who inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3) and deserves constant praise (Psalm 113:3). Therefore, it pleases God when our minds dwell on thoughts that inspire worship and bring Him glory. We can recount God’s wondrous works (Psalm 77:11-12) and the reasons we praise Him (Psalm 103:2). Setting our minds on God’s praiseworthiness fills us with adoration and thanksgiving for who He is.
How to Apply Philippians 4:8
Following Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:8 requires intentionally guiding our thought lives. Here are some practical tips for meditation what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy:
- Saturate your mind with God’s truth by regularly reading and memorizing Scripture.
- Measure every thought against God’s truth and commands revealed in the Bible.
- Reject anxious or negative thoughts by redirecting your mind to praise and promises of God.
- Dwell on stories in the Bible that display God’s righteousness, purity, and praiseworthiness.
- Consider noble role models who inspire you to righteous living.
- Listen to music that focuses your mind on God’s beauty and excellence.
- Set boundaries on media content to avoid impure and unhealthy thoughts.
- Pray through the attributes of God, praising Him for His lovingkindness.
As we practice these steps, virtuous thinking becomes more natural. We begin to automatically reject thoughts displeasing to God. Our minds are transformed and begin to align with His perfect perspective (Romans 12:2). Meditating on what is true, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy inspires us to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.
How Focusing Our Thoughts Pleases God
Dwelling on godly virtues brings great joy and glory to the Lord. As our minds become saturated in His truth, righteousness, purity, and praiseworthiness, our lives begin to reflect His glorious image. We grow in righteousness as we fix our thoughts on Christ’s example (Hebrews 12:2-3). Focusing our minds on the perfect character of God increases our love and gratitude toward Him. He delights when we cherish His truth and rotate righteous virtues (Proverbs 23:7). Our thought lives have immense power to either please or displease our Creator. As Paul reminds us, God’s peace guards us when our minds dwell on what aligns with His will and ways.
Examples of Truth, Honor, Justice, Purity, Loveliness, Excellence, and Praiseworthiness
To stimulate godly thinking, here are some examples of concepts that reflect the virtues Paul lists in Philippians 4:8:
Truth
- God’s promises in Scripture
- Christ’s deity and sinless life
- Biblical accounts of God’s miraculous works
- The hope and security believers have in Christ
- God’s constant presence through the Holy Spirit
Honor
- Treating others with value, dignity, and respect
- Believers using their gifts to serve God and the church
- Jesus’ example of honoring the Father through obedience
- Laying down our lives for others out of reverence for Christ
Justice
- God’s impartial judgment
- Jesus’ advocacy and defense of the oppressed
- Standing up for those who can’t defend themselves
- Forgiving others as we have been forgiven
- Ensuring fair and compassionate treatment for all people
Purity
- Resisting lustful thoughts
- Living by the Spirit rather than fleshly desires
- Guarding our eyes and hearts from what defiles
- Choosing entertainment that aligns with Philippians 4:8
- Seeking intimacy with God rather than idols
Loveliness
- Tender mercies and compassion of Christ
- The church demonstrating Christ’s sacrificial love
- The joy of fellowship with other believers
- Ways God expresses His affection and delight toward us
- The intimacy we enjoy with God through Christ
Commendable
- Biblical heroes who modeled courageous faith
- Testimonies of transformed lives through the gospel
- Kindness, generosity, and hospitality of fellow Christians
- Persevering through trials in a Christ-like manner
- Living out the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
Excellent
- The perfect righteousness and holiness of God
- The seamless unity within the Trinity
- God’s flawless creation
- Jesus’ sinless life on earth
- God’s steadfastness, patience, wisdom, and love
Praiseworthy
- God’s mighty works throughout history
- Reminders of prayers God has answered
- Reflecting on the names and attributes of God
- Marveling at God’s goodness and grace shown to us
- Remembering Christ’s sacrifice that made salvation possible
The Impact of Following Philippians 4:8
Dwelling on godly virtues profoundly impacts believers’ lives and glorifies God. Here are some blessings and benefits of focusing our thoughts on what Philippians 4:8 commends:
- Our minds are renewed and become more like Christ (Romans 12:2).
- Our outlook becomes more positive, hopeful, and grateful.
- We gain victory in the battle against temptation.
- We become inspired and equipped to serve God wholeheartedly.
- Our speech becomes more edifying, gracious, and fitting of the gospel.
- We develop an eternal, heavenly perspective amid earthly trials.
- Our capacity to give and receive love flourishes and deepens.
- We live intentionally and make wise, God-honoring decisions.
- We become grounded in truth amid a deceitful, confused world.
- Our lives display the beauty, excellence, and grace of Christ.
In all these ways, filling our minds with what is virtuous transforms us into bold, loving, Christ-exalting ambassadors of God’s kingdom.
Philippians 4:8 Calls Us to a Transformed Thought Life
Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 4:8 provides powerful direction for Christian thinking and conduct. In a fallen world filled with lies and impurity, we desperately need to fill our minds with God’s perspective. By obeying this call, our thoughts become aligned with God’s truth and illuminate His path for righteous living. No longer conformed to the pattern of this world, we experience renewal of mind that flows into all areas of life. As we saturate our thoughts with true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy things, our lives bring great glory to God. Our minds become honorably separated as temples of the Holy Spirit. We gain victory over unhealthy desires plaguing our culture today. Most importantly, we become equipped to love God and others with grace and truth. The key is not mere superficial change, but genuine transformation through obeying Philippians 4:8. May we diligently apply this powerful exhortation and experience the abundant life Christ promised. Our minds – and therefore our lives – are shaped by whatever captures our imagination. May Philippians 4:8 direct them towards the noblest of truths.