Articles
“Think on These Things”
“Think on These Things”
By Paul R. Blake
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
1) “Whatsoever things are true.” True is derived from alethes, which means “not concealing; true, truly, truth (Strongs - 227). What kinds of true things can one meditate on to such an extent that he will be able to keep on task? Paul commended the Ephesian elders to the word of God which would build them up (Acts 20:32). In addition to the word of God, Christian would profit by spending time thinking of the good works and sound words of other faithful disciples who truly live according to the guidance of scripture. One can also learn from reading objective histories, moral classics of literature, and the science that describe our universe (and that do not contradict the Bible). Thinking about things that can be proven gives one an accurate picture of both the world around him and the people who occupy it. Such thoughts will stabilize and edify him. Thinking on untrue, speculative, or suspicious things will rob him of joy and give him a skewed perspective of reality. (Read Eph 4:25)
2) “Whatsoever things are honest.” Honest in this context carries a different connotation that that of true. This word comes from semnos, which means “venerable, honorable, grave, honest (Strongs - 4586). In usage, it appears closely related to the noble or fair-minded Bereans (Acts 17:11). Dwelling on disciples who exhibit the servant’s heart, who set examples that excel, who behave altruistically will motivate one to conduct himself in a similar manner. How pleasant it is to think about godly, honorable folks, instead of fretting over those who may have caused harm to others. (Read Lev. 19:32; 2Cor. 8:21)
3) “Whatsoever things are just.” Just is translated from dikaios, meaning “equitable in character or act; innocent, holy, just, meet, righteous (Strongs - 1342). Immediately the fair and appropriate judgment of the Lord comes to mind. The scriptures abound with teachings that direct one to be equitable in his thoughts and treatment of others. The Proverbs of Solomon and the generous principles of the Sermon on the Mount illustrate for the reader how he can treat his neighbor in such a way as to earn his respect and affection merely by being fair and proper in judgment. (Deut. 16:20; Isa. 26:7)
4) “Whatsoever things are pure.” Pure is derived from hagnos, denoting “clean, innocent, modest, perfect, chaste, pure” (Strongs - 53). Who is more pure than the Savior who walked the face of this earth for over 33 years without sin? What could be more pure than the love a mother has for her child, or the bright-eyed, trusting gaze of a small child, or a newborn Christian, or the examples of elderly saints as they near their final days? What place will be more pure than heaven? Thinking on these things will edify and establish the thinker. Dwelling on television, sports figures, music performers, movie stars, and political officials can only rob one of joy and fill his mind with thoughts of evil deeds. (Read James 3:17)
5) “Whatsoever things are lovely.” Lovely comes from prosphiles, meaning “friendly towards, acceptable, lovely” (Strongs - 4375). Lovely, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder. Lovely things, as long as they are pure in and of themselves, are matters of individual tastes. To a husband, his wife is lovely. To a grateful believer, the created world with tall forests, multi-hued sunsets, and rolling ocean waves is beautiful. Simple things, when enjoyed by a thankful Christian, can be lovely: an after dinner nap in an armchair at the end of a long day’s work, potlucks where the sisters prepare delicious treats, a game with dear friends, walking arm in arm with one’s mate down a country road at sunrise. Seeing loveliness in the world around us is a function of gratitude toward God for His manifold blessings. (Read 1Cor. 13:4-7)
6) “Whatsoever things are of good report.” Good report is developed from euphemos, which means “well spoken of, reputable, of good report” (Strongs - 2163). Good works are matters of good report (visiting the sick, preparing and presenting a Bible lesson, sharing one’s bounty with a saint in financial distress). It is most encouraging to hear of godly folk who are engaged in doing good works without being told to do so. While Paul told Titus to remind brethren to do such things (Titus 3:8, 14), how pleasant it is to dwell on some Christian who did a good deed without expectation of acknowledgement. It is in such activity that the servant’s heart is clearly exhibited. Which of these thoughts would lead to edification and stability: thinking about a brother who did a kind deed, or thinking about a brother who did harm? (Read Heb. 11:1-2)
7) “If there be any virtue.” Virtue is translated from arete, a word that means manliness, valor, excellence, praise, virtue” (Strongs - 703). One who thinks on virtue looks for the good in every situation and capitalizes on it. Temptation is not a pleasant experience, but James instructs Christians to count it joy when they encounter diverse temptations. He directs them to focus on the potential good results of trials to help them endure the difficulty with a positive spirit (James 1:2-4). One who thinks of virtue, looks for quality in everyone and does what he can to encourage the good in them. If one looks for good in others, he will find it, and he will be a true servant of the Lord if he helps others to cultivate their own good character. If he looks for the bad in others, he will also find it, and he will be warped in his view of humankind as a result of such unworthy thoughts. (Read 2Peter 1:3-11)
8) “And if there be any praise.” Praise comes from epainos, meaning “laudation; a commendable thing, praise (Strongs - 1868). It is so easy for disciples to grumble and poor mouth everything. People complain about the weather, the temperature of the church building, the length of the sermon, the gaffes of the song leader, the crying babies, the restless teens, the elderly sister with a cold, the steel worker who fell asleep in the next pew, the economy, the government, their favorite ball team, and on and on. If one remember that his words are a product of his thoughts, it becomes clear that his thoughts are stuck in a rut of negativism, unpleasantness, and possibly mean-spiritedness. Words come from the abundance of the heart (Matt. 12:34-37). When one speaks of good things (the laughter of friends, handshakes from children, hugs from elderly sisters, working in harmony with elders, deacons, and saints), he expresses the overflow of a mind filled with praiseworthy thoughts. (Read Heb. 13:15)
“Think on these things.” Paul gives this instruction in the imperative form; it carries the force of a command. Think is derived from logizomai, and it means “to take an inventory, estimate, conclude, account, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think on” (Strongs - 3049). He requires disciples to purposefully direct their thoughts and take charge of their minds by deliberately choosing the content and nature of their mediations and daydreams. He is not advocating an eastern type of transcendental meditation; such activity serves little productive purpose and is quite self-indulgent. Rather, he wants Christians to bring their thoughts under control (2Cor. 10:5); for, one who controls his thoughts, controls his words and deeds which are the products of his thoughts.
A Moments Wisdom
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