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.
Truth means integrity of conscience with its fruits; gravity means walking worthy of your calling, far from profanity; justice concerns how you treat others, no injury, no fraud; purity is chastity in all of life. Yet these are not enough unless you also make yourself agreeable to all lawfully in the Lord and guard your good name.
AI summary
His affection for them burned hot: they were his beloved, his longing, his joy, his crown. He calls them brethren though he was an apostle, because all renewed by one Spirit are brothers. Warm affection must go with brotherly relation. He had no joy greater than hearing of their spiritual health. This is how tenderness works: it makes exhortation cut deeper and carry farther.
AI summary
Commenting on Philippians 4:1-9
Whatever agrees with Scripture, the Gospel, or even nature's light, pursue truth against falsehood and hypocrisy. Be grave, just between man and man, chaste against filth, lovely to cultivate friendship, and of good report to establish a name better than precious ointment.
AI summary