What does Philippians 4:8 mean by “whatever is true, whatever is honorable”?
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.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8 · BEREAN STANDARD BIBLE
Paul lists a series of qualities and tells the church to think on them. Several of the words were common in Greek moral writing outside the church, which the commentators discuss when they ask what Paul is doing with them.
Three commentaries, quoted, not summarized.
JAMIESON, FAUSSET & BROWN · 1871verified
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.…
MATTHEW HENRY · 1721verified
…I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ, Phi 1:8. (3.) He loved them and rejoiced in them. They were his joy; he had no greater joy than to hear of their spiritual health and prosperity. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in the truth, Jo2 1:4; Jo3 1:4. (4.) he loved them and gloried in them. They were his crown as well as his joy. Never was proud ambitious man more pleased with the ensigns of honour than Paul was with the evidences of the sincerity of their faith and obedience.…
JOHN GILL · 1748verified
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,.... To close all with respect to the duties of Christianity incumbent on the professors of it, the apostle exhorts to a regard to everything that is true; that is agreeable to the Scriptures of truth, to the Gospel the word of truth, or to the law and light of nature; and whatever was really so, even among the very Heathens, in opposition to falsehood, lying, and hypocrisy whatsoever things are honest; in the sight of men; or grave, or "venerable" in speech…
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Philippians 4 · 5 printable lessons