Commentaries for Philippians 4:8

[JM]

"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."​

Commentaries from the Catena site:

“Whatever is true”—What are these true things? They are set out in the gospel: Jesus Christ is the Son of God and all that goes with that good news. When your thoughts are true, it follows that they will be honorable. What is true is not corrupted, which means that it is honorable. What is not corrupted is true. Then what is true and honorable will also be just, for it is made just or justified. And what is made just is pure since it receives sanctification from God. All that is just, honorable, true and pure is lovable and also gracious. For who does not love these saintly virtues? Who does not speak and think well of them? … Of this list some items pertain to true virtue in itself, while the later ones pertain to the fruit of virtue. To virtue it belongs to love truth, honor, justice and purity. To the fruit of virtue belongs that which is lovely and gracious.

In saying “if there be any excellence, any praise,” he takes good note of the nature of things. For all things happen by the grace of God, who governs and rules through the Spirit that he sends into us. We count on nothing of our own, but on grace alone. This is why he speaks conditionally: “if any excellence,” for the virtues being nurtured in us are not from us but from God’s grace. So not even the praise is ours. Therefore he also says “if there is anything worthy of praise. ”

- Gaius Marius Victorinus, AD 400​

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just. What is Finally? It stands for, I have said all. It is the word of one that is in haste, and has nothing to do with present things. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are true, 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.

“Whatever is lovable” refers to what is lovable to the faithful, lovable to God. “Whatever is true” refers to that which is virtuous. For what is really true is virtue. Vice is falsehood—its pleasure is false, its glory is false, and everything in it is false. Whatever is pure is the contrary of “thinking earthly thoughts.” “Whatever is honorable” is the contrary of those “whose god is their belly.”

Paul did not say “look for praise” but “do what is praiseworthy”— but do not do it merely with an eye to praise…. When he says “whatever is of good report,” so that you will not suppose that he means simply from human reports, he adds, “If there be any virtue, any praise.

By now he has said everything he means to say. This is the letter of one who is pressing on and has no unworthy ties to the present. .

- John Chrysostom AD 407​

Cross references:

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Titus 2:7 In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise your youth; but be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who has called us to glory and virtue:

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

2 Corinthians 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Titus 1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good, sensible, just, holy, temperate;

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast that which is good.

Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.

 

[The Liturgist]

Thank you for this @JM