Think on these things

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8–9. 

Eight words are used for the things that should fill the Christian’s thought-life. As they are ‘taken into account’ (as the Greek word translated think means), they will shape attitudes and direct words and actions.

They are the things that are true and honest, worthy and noble, just and right, pure and holy, lovely and beautiful, admirable and pleasant to hear about. Excellent was the best word that classical Greek ethics had for virtue.

Here we have the thought of what is worthy of praise and commendation. Putting this into practice, in other words, living by what they know and acknowledge, would result for the Philippians in the kind of life that Paul had sought to model (Philippians 3:17). Not only would the peace of God be found, but also his unfailing presence (2 Corinthians 13:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:16).