Philippians 4:8-9 (KJB )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.
9 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.
Using the stark contrast between MSG and KJB one can understand both.
Friends, the KJB at the end says "THINK ON THESE THINGS." What things?
-True - Honest - Just - Pure - Lovely - Good Report - Virtue - Praise
True (Loving the Truth, Mediating on what is TRUE - GOD's Word)
--Meditate on God's word, Amen! For it is TRUE! Always!
Honest (Honorable of person or of deeds, to be venerated for character)
--Think about the good character of Christ and how honorable He is, and how He is living in your through the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Just (used of him whose way of thinking, feeling, and acting is wholly
conformed to the will of God, and who therefore needs no rectification
in the heart or life--only Christ truly--approved of or acceptable of
God)--Think about how you are accepted in Christ, you're conformed to His righteousness. Amen!
Pure (perfect:—chaste, clean, pure)
--Think about how Christ made you perfect, clean and pure. He made you HIS righteousness, you're now a child of God, spotless, and blameless. Amen!
Lovely (Friendly towards, Acceptable, Pleasing)
--Think about all lovely things in your life. Your wife. Your family. Your church. But most of all, think about GOD, His Word, His Salvation. His guidance. Thank God for everything.
Good Report (well spoken of, i.e. reputable:—of good report.)
--Think about things that are well spoken of, Amen! Reputable. How wonderful is God spoken of In His word. Think about how good things in your life are. Think about your kids, how good they are spoken of: cute, respectful, mannerful.
Virtue (any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity)
--Think about things that are morally good. If they are of moral excellence which will help you trust God and mature you as a Christian. Think about it. Amen!
Praise (laudation; concretely, a commendable thing:—praise.)
-- Jesus Christ fits perfect to Praise, is He not commendable? HALLELUJAH! HOW WONDERFUL Jesus truly is, Amen! Glory to God above. Praise His worthy name.
I like what the MSG translation "filling your minds and meditating on things." Fill your minds my friends and meditate on all these things which are covered above. Hallelujah! The power of your thoughts determine how you live as a Christian. Think positively, and you will have victory over ALL things. Praise the LORD GOD ABOVE! HE IS GREAT!
