Philippians 4:8 Meaning: What "Think on These Things" Looks Like Day to Day

Philippians 4:8 is Paul's instruction to choose what you dwell on. In the NIV it reads: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." The King James puts the last line as "think on these things." Paul isn't promising that bad thoughts will never show up. He's telling us where to put our attention once they do.

What each word in the list means

• True: what is actually so, not the worst case your mind runs at 2 a.m.
• Noble: what deserves respect.
• Right: what is fair and just.
• Pure: what is clean, with nothing mixed in.
• Lovely: what is kind and good to be around.
• Admirable: what has a good reputation, the kind of thing you'd be glad to have said about you.
• Excellent or praiseworthy: anything that does well and deserves credit.

Put together, the list is a pretty good description of what it means for something to be wholesome.

Why it matters what you think about

Paul wrote this to a church he cared about, and the verse just before it promises "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding." Verse 8 is the practical side of that peace. You can't always control what comes into your head, but you can decide what you go back to and keep thinking about. With a phone full of bad news, that's a harder habit than it sounds.

Ways to practice it this week

• Pay attention to the media you take in, and cut one thing that leaves you anxious or angry.
• Spend more time with people who build you up.
• Write down a few things you're grateful for each day. That's "praiseworthy" in practice.
• When a worry loops, ask yourself whether it's true before you keep chewing on it.
• Put the verse somewhere you'll see it.

Wearing the verse

We print Philippians 4:8 on a lot of what we make. The Philippians 4:8 Chapel Tee has a hand drawn chapel and the verse on an oversized off white tee. The Philippians 4:8 Floral Hoodie and the Black Leopard Hoodie are for cold mornings. The Whatever Is Lovely Tee takes one word from the list and builds a western design around it. A quick look down at your shirt during a rough day is a small reminder to steer your thoughts back. You can see all of our women's styles in one place in Christian shirts and hoodies for women.

Kids pick up habits from what they see at home, so the verse works for families too. We make Philippians 4:8 pieces in baby, toddler and kids sizes, including the Praiseworthy Bear Set and the Lovely Y'all Fleece Crewneck. Everything is hand pressed in our Burbank, CA studio, and 10% of every order goes to Love Life, a ministry that supports moms and babies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of Philippians 4:8?

It's an instruction to choose what you dwell on: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.

What does "think on these things" mean?

It's the King James wording of the verse's last line. It means to keep your mind on the good things in the list instead of letting worry or negativity take over.

What comes right before Philippians 4:8?

Philippians 4:6 and 4:7, which tell us not to be anxious, to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, and promise the peace of God that guards our hearts and minds.

Related reading: Bible Verses for Hard Times · Psalm 23 Meaning · Christian Baby Shower Gifts