Philippians 4:8

Hebrew Bible (DHNT) 1885 - Delitzsch's Hebrew New Testament

ובכן אחי כל־אשר הוא אמת ונכבד וישר וטהור ונעים ואשר שמעו טוב כל־מעשה צדק כל־מעשה שבח על־אלה תשימו לבבכם׃

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, the Apostle Paul is telling his friends to think about good things—things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and praised by others. The key message is to focus on positive and virtuous thoughts.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a magical camera that only takes pictures of nice things, like happy faces or beautiful flowers. Paul is saying we should use our minds like this camera to see and think about good stuff all the time!

Historical Background

This verse comes from the letter written by Paul to the church in Philippi around 61-62 AD. The audience was a group of believers facing challenges, and Paul encourages them with reminders of what's truly valuable.

Living It Out Today

When faced with tough decisions or negative influences, think about this verse. If you're choosing movies to watch, for example, pick ones that teach truth, justice, and kindness rather than those filled with lies and violence.

Topics

• virtue
• purity
• faithfulness
• positivity
• thoughts
• wisdom

Related Verses

• Psalm 1:3
• Ephesians 5:8-9
• Matthew 6:22-23
• Romans 12:2
• Colossians 3:2

Recommended Reading

Commentary Philippians Commentaries → Get This Bible DHNT Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'think on these things' mean?

It means to focus your thoughts and meditations on positive, virtuous subjects. It's about choosing what you allow yourself to think about.

How can I remember to follow this advice in daily life?

You might write the verse down somewhere visible or set reminders for yourself. Practicing mindfulness also helps keep your thoughts aligned with positive values.

Does this apply only to Christians?

While it's part of a Christian text, the principles can benefit anyone who wants to cultivate a more positive mindset and lifestyle.

How does focusing on good things affect us?

It can improve mental health, lead to better decisions, and influence your behavior positively. It helps you become the person you want to be by aligning your thoughts with good values.