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.
The question was asked in a recent Bible class I attended, “How seriously are we to take this verse?” The thrust of the question being, with so much evil in the world, how is the Christian to protect himself against negativity?
When we look at Paul’s epistle to the church in Philippi, it is a very positive and encouraging letter. He talks about the humility of Christ, and the benevolence of the brethren, and faithfulness in our walk toward heaven. There is little written in a negative way. While he does warn against “strife or vainglory” (Philippians 2:3), but even here the emphasis is on the positive example of humility in Christ’s sacrifice (Philippaisn 2:5-8).
Back to Philippians 4:8, then, does this mean that we should ignore all the bad things in the world and focus only on the good, and to try and find good in everything?
One of the most important rules of Bible study is this: Never interpret a passage in such a way that it contradicts other passages. God does not contradict Himself; He does not say one thing to one crowd and the opposite thing to another crowd.
Yes, we should focus on true things, honest things, just things, pure things, lovely things, and things of good report. This is not to say, though, that we should ignore the bad or overlook the sinful. Paul says we need to pay attention to some bad things, to “mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Likewise, Peter says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
The key here is balance: we should focus on the good while recognizing and avoiding the bad. We seek Scriptural unity (1 Corinthians 1:10) but must not compromise with false teachers (Romans 16:17). We do that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:15) and warn against that which is bad (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
How seriously do we take Philippians 4:8? As with all of God’s Word, we take it very seriously, but we do not apply it in such a way that contradicts or nullifies other Scriptures.
