For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
For they that are after ('according to') the flesh - under the dominating influence of the fleshly principle,
Do mind [ fronousin (G5426 )] the things of the flesh - i:e., give their engrossing attention to them: cf. Philippians 3:19, "who mind х fronountes (G5426)] earthly things," and Matthew 16:23 (Gr.) Men must be under the predominating influence of one or other of these two principles, and, according as the one or the other has the mastery, will be the complexion of their life, the character of their actions. 'The bent of the thoughts, affections, and pursuits (as Hodge says) is the only decisive test of character.'