"Think on These Things" — Meditating on God and His Virtues

Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV)

8 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.9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

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1. Whatsoever Things Are True

Definition: That which is real, trustworthy, and aligned with God's Word.

Scripture: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17 (KJV)

Meditation: Let the Word of God be your standard for truth. Reflect on what He has spoken—not what the world says.

Modern Example: When faced with worry, recall Scriptures like Romans 8:28, trusting God's truth over your feelings.

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2. Whatsoever Things Are Honest

Definition: Noble, serious, dignified.

Scripture: “Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” — 2 Corinthians 8:21 (KJV)

Meditation: Think on what brings dignity to your walk. Reflect on how your behavior reflects the Lord before others.

Modern Example: Consider the integrity of someone you admire in the faith. Ask God to grow that same honor in you.

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3. Whatsoever Things Are Just

Definition: Righteous, upright, in harmony with God's law.

Scripture: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” — Micah 6:8 (KJV)

Meditation: Dwell on what is fair and right—not just legally, but biblically.

Modern Example: When tempted to cut corners, meditate on how Christ stood for righteousness, even when it cost Him everything.

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4. Whatsoever Things Are Pure

Definition: Morally clean, untainted, without corruption.

Scripture: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8 (KJV)

Meditation: Purity isn’t about perfection—it’s about a heart focused solely on God.

Modern Example: Turn away from impure content and focus your thoughts on Scripture and worship that draws you closer to God.

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5. Whatsoever Things Are Lovely

Definition: Pleasing, kind, gracious, and beautiful in spirit.

Scripture: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” — Romans 12:10 (KJV)

Meditation: Let your heart reflect on the beauty of God’s love and kindness.

Modern Example: Dwell on the loveliness of Christ’s compassion. Let it shape your own tenderness and grace.

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6. Whatsoever Things Are Of Good Report

Definition: Commendable, uplifting, deserving of praise.

Scripture: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” — Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)

Meditation: Think about testimonies and moments that glorify God and build faith.

Modern Example: Keep a journal of answered prayers and miracles. Reflect on them often.

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7. If There Be Any Virtue

Definition: Moral excellence, strength of character.

Scripture: “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;” — 2 Peter 1:5 (KJV)

Meditation: Consider areas where God is calling you to grow in excellence.

Modern Example: When your faith is tested, meditate on the courage of biblical figures like Daniel or Esther.

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8. If There Be Any Praise

Definition: Anything that inspires worship and glorifies God.

Scripture: “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” — Psalm 34:1 (KJV)

Meditation: Praise isn’t just for church—it’s a daily posture of the heart.

Modern Example: Start each day by listing reasons to praise God: salvation, grace, provision, His love.

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Closing Thought: Guarded Thoughts = Guided Life

When we choose to dwell on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, our hearts begin to align with heaven. Paul’s charge is not just to think on these things, but to do them—and in return, we are promised the abiding presence of the “God of peace.”

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” — Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)