Whatsoever things …

Anonymous

‘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’ (Phil. 4:8). 

In this verse the apostle indicates the direction in which our thoughts should be continually turned. Habitually we are to be occupied with what is good, not with what is evil. We should avoid the contemplation or pursuit of what is evil, and seek out, until we find, what is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Such subjects are worthy of our heavenly calling and calculated by their nature to develop the new man within us, which is of God.

As to the connection of the verse with its context, it may be said briefly that verses 6 and 7 show how the peace of God will keep our hearts and thoughts tranquil; verse 8 shows the sort of subjects our hearts should follow; while verse 9 shows what should be practised in order that the God of peace may be with us.

Author unknown[1]

[1] An answer to a question in The Bible Monthly (1924) vol. 4 p. 263.  Appeared in Truth and Testimony, 2021