The Bible doesn’t just care about what we do. It also teaches us to watch what we think. What we fill our minds with shapes our feelings, choices, and walk with God. In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul gives a clear guide for what to think about—and why it matters.
The Main Verse: Philippians 4:8
“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.” — Philippians 4:8
Paul tells believers to think about things that are:
- True
- Honest
- Just
- Pure
- Lovely
- Of good report
- Virtuous
- Praiseworthy
This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a command. God wants us to protect our thoughts because our thoughts shape our lives.
Why Our Thoughts Matter
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” — Matthew 12:34
What fills our hearts and minds eventually shows up in our words and actions.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” — Isaiah 26:3
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23
When we control our thoughts, we guard our hearts and protect our lives.
Breaking Down the List in Philippians 4:8
Let’s look at each word Paul used, with more Scripture to show what they mean.
True
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” — Proverbs 30:5
Honest
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” — 2 Corinthians 8:21
Just
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” — Matthew 5:6
“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” — Proverbs 21:3
Pure
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure…” — Titus 1:15
Lovely
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” — Proverbs 25:11
“Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
Of Good Report
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…” — Ephesians 4:29
“The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious…” — Ecclesiastes 10:12
Virtue
“Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.” — 2 Peter 1:5
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” — Proverbs 31:10
Praise
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” — Psalm 34:1
“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” — Psalm 150:6
How to Practice Right Thinking
Training your mind takes effort, but God will help you. Here are a few ways to start:
-
Read Scripture daily
God’s Word fills your mind with truth. -
Pray when your thoughts drift
Ask God to help you refocus. -
Choose media wisely
Music, movies, and shows influence your thoughts. -
Memorize verses
Hide God’s Word in your heart.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11
-
Choose good company
The people around you affect your thinking.
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33
What Happens When You Think on These Things?
Right thinking brings God’s peace. Right thoughts lead to right actions. And God walks closely with those who fix their minds on Him.
“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.” — Philippians 4:9
