Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, etc.] 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, in action or attire, in opposition to levity, frothiness, or foppery: whatsoever things [are] just; between man and man, or with respect both to God and men; giving to God what belongs…”

“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. if there be any virtue--"whatever virtue there is" [ALFORD]. "Virtue," the standing word in heathen ethics, is found once only in Paul's Epistles, and once in Peter's (Pe2 1:5); and this in uses different from…”

“Finally, brethren - As for what remains - τὸ λοιπὸν to loipon - or as a final counsel or exhortation. Whatsoever things are true - In this exhortation the apostle assumes that there were certain things admitted to be true, and pure, and good, in the world, which had not been directly revealed, or which were commonly regarded as such by the people of the world, and his object is to show them that such things ought to be exhibited by the Christian. Everything that was honest and just toward God and toward people was to be practiced by them, and they were in all things to be examples of the highest kind of morality. They were not to exhibit partial virtues; not to perform one set of duties to…”

“Finally - To sum up all. Whatsoever things are true - Here are eight particulars placed in two fourfold rows; the former containing their duty; the latter, the commendation of it. The first word in the former row answers the first in the latter; the second word, the second and so on. True - In speech. Honest - In action. Just - With regard to others. Pure - With regard to yourselves. Lovely - And what more lovely than truth? Of good report - As is honesty, even where it is not practised. If there be any virtue - And all virtues are contained in justice. If there be any praise - In those things which relate rather to ourselves than to our neighbour. Think on these things - That ye may both…”

“4:8 Paul urges the Philippians to focus on God’s good gifts so that, even during suffering and persecution, their lives will be exemplary and their minds and hearts will be filled with peace (4:7, 9).”

“Finally: Phi 3:1 whatsoever: Rom 12:9-21; Co1 13:4-7; Gal 5:22; Jam 3:17; Pe2 1:5-7 are true: Mat 22:16; Joh 7:18; Rom 12:9; Co2 6:8; Eph 4:25, Eph 5:9, Eph 6:14; Pe1 1:22; Jo1 3:18 honest: or, venerable, Act 6:3; Rom 12:17, Rom 13:13; Co2 8:21, Co2 13:7; Th1 4:12; Ti1 2:2, Ti1 3:4, Ti1 3:8, Ti1 3:11; Tit 2:2, Tit 2:7 \*Gr: Tit 3:14 \*marg. Heb 13:18; Pe1 2:12 are just: Gen 18:19; Deu 16:20; Sa2 23:3; Psa 82:2; Pro 11:1, Pro 16:11, Pro 20:7; Isa 26:7; Mar 6:20; Luk 2:25, Luk 23:50; Act 10:22; Tit 1:8 are pure: Ti1 4:12, Ti1 5:2; Tit 2:14; Jam 1:27, Jam 3:17; Pe2 3:1; Jo1 3:3 are lovely: Sa2 1:23; Sol 5:16; Co1 13:1-13; Pe1 4:8 are of: Act 6:3, Act 10:22, Act 22:12; Col 4:5; Th1 5:22; Ti1…”