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.
Summary of exhortations as to relative duties, whether as children or parents, husbands or wives, friends, neighbours, men in the world, etc.
True - sincere, especially in words.
Honest, х semna (G4586)] - 'seemly' in bearing and action; grave, dignified.
Just - toward others.
Pure - `chaste' х hagna (G53)] (1 Timothy 5:22), in relation to ourselves.
Lovely, х prosphilee (G4375)] - loveable (cf. Mark 10:21; Luke 7:4-5).
Of good report - referring to the absent (Philippians 1:27): "lovely," loveable face to face: attracting love.
If there be any virtue - `whatever virtue there is' (Alford). "Virtue," the standing word in pagan ethics, is found once only in Paul's letters, and thrice in Peter's (1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Peter 1:5); and this in uses different from pagan authors' excellence. It is a term earthly and human, as compared with the spiritual graces of Christianity: hence, its rarity in the New Testament. Piety and true morality are inseparable. Despise not anything good; only let it keep its due place.
Praise - whatever is praiseworthy; not that man's praise is to be our aim (cf. John 12:43); but we should live so as to deserve it.
Think on, х logizesthee (G3049)] - have regard to, so as to "do" these things (Philippians 4:9) whenever occasion arises.