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 believers to fill their minds with godly virtues and truths rather than unwholesome thoughts. Let’s explore the meaning and application of this verse in detail.
The Context of Philippians 4:8
Paul wrote this letter to the Philippian church while he was imprisoned (Philippians 1:13). Despite his circumstances, his letter overflows with joy and encouragement for the Philippians to live in harmony and godliness. In chapter 4, Paul urges two women in the church (Euodia and Syntyche) to reconcile their differences (Philippians 4:2). He then encourages the Philippians to rejoice, be gentle, pray with thanksgiving, and think on spiritual things (Philippians 4:4-9).
In the preceding verses, Paul reminds believers to rejoice in the Lord always, not to be anxious, and bring their requests to God in prayer (Philippians 4:4-7). Verse 8 then provides a list of virtues for believers to meditate on rather than giving in to anxiety, conflict, or other ungodly thoughts.
The Meaning of “Think About These Things”
The main command in this verse is to “think about these things.” The Greek word translated “think” is logizomai, meaning to consider carefully, take into account, or let one’s mind dwell on something. Paul urges believers to carefully ponder and fill their minds with the list of virtues that follows. He contrasts godly, biblical thinking with unwholesome thoughts like anxiety or dwelling on conflicts (Philippians 4:6-7).
Paul then provides a list of eight virtues that should fill believers’ thoughts: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. This covers a range of moral and intellectual virtues that align with God’s character and design. Here is a brief look at each virtue:
- True – That which conforms to fact, reality, and the Word of God rather than falsehoods or speculations.
- Honorable – Behavior and qualities which call forth honor and respect.
- Just – That which conforms to God’s righteous standards and dealings with humanity.
- Pure – Morally clean, untainted by sin or guilt.
- Lovely – Pleasing, admirable.
- Commendable – Worthy of honor and praise.
- Excellent – Possessing good qualities in an extraordinary degree.
- Worthy of Praise – Deserving applause, commendation, or honor.
This list inspires believers to dwell on thoughts that align with biblical truth and God’s character. By filling our minds with such virtues, we avoid corrupting our thoughts and values with ungodly influences.
Applications for Today
How can we apply Philippians 4:8 today? Here are some key applications:
- Evaluate our thought lives. Take time to reflect on what consumes your mental space each day. Do anxious thoughts and distractions overwhelm godly virtues and truths?
- Renew our minds with Scripture. Immersing our minds in God’s Word exposes us to His truths and renews our thinking (Romans 12:2). Schedule consistent time reading and memorizing Scripture.
- Reject unwholesome input. Things like media entertainment, news sources, and social media often contain content at odds with Philippians 4:8. Limit and be selective about such influences.
- Ponder good reports. Spend time focusing on testimonies, acts of faith, righteousness, and other praiseworthy things happening through God’s people.
- Meditate on God’s character. Reflect often on God’s attributes like love, grace, holiness, and sovereignty. Fill your mind with awe at who He is.
- Think before speaking and acting. Carefully consider whether your words and conduct align with Philippians 4:8. Guard your tongue and actions.
- Memorize Scripture. Committing Bible verses to memory provides powerful truth to counteract ungodly thoughts.
- Pray for righteous thinking. Ask God daily to guide your thoughts and make them pleasing to Him.
The battle for sin begins in the mind. Following Paul’s exhortation will help us gain victory and align our inner thought lives with God’s truth and righteousness. But we can’t achieve this by human strength alone. The Holy Spirit must renew our minds and empower righteous thinking each day.
Additional Bible Verses on Our Thought Life
Many other Bible passages complement Philippians 4:8 and provide wisdom for our thought lives. Here is a sampling:
- “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)
- “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
- “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
- “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.” (Philippians 4:8)
- “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NCV)
- “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Romans 8:5)
- “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
- “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
- “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 KJV)
- “The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are but a breath.” (Psalm 94:11)
In summary, Scriptures affirm the importance of monitoring our thought lives and filling our minds with truth. Doing so is crucial for living in godliness and avoiding the corruption of sin.
Blessings of Thinking on These Things
What are the blessings of obeying Paul’s challenge to think on truth, virtue, praiseworthy things, and moral excellence? Here are some encouraging benefits:
- It pleases and glorifies God when our thoughts align with His perfect nature.
- It renews our minds and makes us more like Christ (Romans 12:2).
- It strengthens us to resist temptation and sinful habits.
- It provides us peace and confidence amid trials and anxiety.
- It inspires praise, gratitude, and worship when focused on God.
- It unites our hearts and minds with other believers.
- It keeps our outlook positive, hopeful, and encouraging.
- It ultimately bears the fruit of righteous living and obedience.
In contrast, failure to control our thoughts reaps consequences like spiritual dullness, confusion, anxiety, conflict, and separation from God. How we “program” our minds each day determines our spiritual health and vitality.
Philippians 4:8 in Commentaries
Bible scholars over the centuries have also highlighted valuable insights on this verse:
- Matthew Henry: “We must keep up affecting thoughts of things that are lovely and not admit any corrupt imaginations.”
- Charles Spurgeon: “There is no need for us to study Satan’s ledger…We have something far better to occupy our thoughts.”
- John MacArthur: “This verse calls for discipline and discernment. It teaches us to shape our thoughts and our exposure to things and people that would influence us for good.”
- John Piper: “Take Paul’s list and measure your life and your emotions and your habits and your leisure and your business and your purchases and what you click on online.”
- David Guzik: “Thinking on the right things is a matter of choice on our part. If we do not consciously choose to direct our thinking the right way, the garbage will gladly fill our minds.”
The universal testimony is that intentionally guiding our thought lives takes focus and discipline. The mind will not automatically drift God-ward. But the blessings of fixing our thoughts on the virtuous and praiseworthy far outweigh the superficial gratification of fleshly thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 is Not Legalism
Some wrongly interpret Philippians 4:8 as legalism – creating a list of forbidden topics and policing every thought. But Paul’s intent is not to burden consciences or advocate perfectionism. Rather, he offers wisdom to shape our predominant thoughts around praiseworthy themes. As one scholar explains:
“Paul is not erecting a legalistic standard whereby believers must evaluate every thought and idea. Rather he provides a general maxim to guide our thought patterns. The believer should establish patternsof thinking that concentrate on the positive virtues that flow from knowing Christ.” (John MacArthur)
Of course, even mature Christians will face random sinful thoughts or mental lapses. Paul himself decried the ongoing struggle with indwelling sin (Romans 7:14-25). But Philippians 4:8 guides us where we should set our mental gaze and prepares us to capture each rebellious thought in obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Philippians 4:8 Applies to All Believers
It’s also vital to recognize that Philippians 4:8 applies equally to all Jesus followers. Our age, maturity level, education, or intellectual abilities do not exempt us from heeding this wisdom. Those who dismiss it as impractical or reserved for the spiritually elite only deceive themselves.
Younger believers may find this command especially challenging in a world saturated with digital media, explicit entertainment, and online distractions. But God is able to empower all believers – regardless of age or background – to practice discernment and renew their minds with Scripture and prayer.
For those struggling with corrupt habits of thought, do not lose heart! Confess your weakness to God. Submit to the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit who lives in you. Surround yourself with brothers and sisters who will pray for you and hold you accountable. Fix your eyes on Christ and take it one day at a time.
Our Thoughts Impact Our Actions
In closing, it is vital to remember that our thought lives hold immense power over our actions. Jesus affirmed this in teaching that adultery and murder begin in the heart and mind (Matthew 5:21-30). David’s sin with Bathsheba likely began with indulging lustful thoughts (2 Samuel 11). Ananias and Sapphira’s deception started in their hearts before becoming sinful actions (Acts 5:1-11).
Therefore, the effort to think rightly pays massive dividends for our spiritual growth and integrity. May God give us the discipline to obey Paul’s exhortation! May the Holy Spirit empower us to take each thought captive and find joy in dwelling on truth, purity, and moral excellence!