Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure… (εὔφημα), auspicious, sounding well, of good omen; silent deeds that, nevertheless, sound like a trumpet, and awaken our admiration, making us think better of human nature; things that come to us like good news, and "make our bones fat," and our eyes glisten, and our lips tremulous — "things of good report." Like the soldier at Balaclava, who dismounted calmly in the hurricane of the fight, that his officer might ride. Like those noble women who watched day and night over the sufferers at Scutari. The poetry of life — the sphere music — audible amidst the groans of creation. Not done to be reported well of, but done for love and dear honour's sake; and which can no more be hid than one can "hide the wind." Such was Joseph's conduct to his brethren; such David's when he found Saul asleep, and took his spear away only and a piece of his garment; such Stephen's dying prayer, "Lay not this sin to their charge"; such His glorious charge, "Begin at Jerusalem." Magnanimity, the Christian pilgrim, man or woman, accompanied by "Greatheart"; the rising above the level and routine of giving, doing, loving, into the stature of the man in Christ Jesus — these are things of good report. Think of them — think that you never experience such a thrill of pleasure as when you read of such things — then what must it be to do them! Think that the capacity to enjoy the recital argues the ability to do them. Think and be thankful that you live in a world where these noble things can be done; and you can do them, if you suffer not little mercenary motives to blind your eyes and freeze your sensibilities. "And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them;" there is a sounding deed! David refusing to offer to the Lord "that which cost Him nothing"; the centurion's, "Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only"; Mary, with her alabaster box of ointment (and "this that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her"); Paul's, "though the more I love you, the less I am beloved" — "take back your runaway slave, Philemon, as a brother," and what he owes thee put down to me; that greatest deed in the history of the universe, how that when we were yet sinners Christ died for us. (B. Kent.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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