Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy – dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
Paul is telling us here that minds focused on these seven qualities experience the peace of God. “True” is ethical “truthfulness”. “Honorable” is “noble”, to be respected. “Just” is giving people what they deserve. “Pure” is holy in relation to God. “Lovely” mentioned only here in the New Testament, is attractive. “Commendable”, also used only here in the New Testament, is praiseworthy. “The God of peace” compliments “the peace of God” from verse 7 in that life with these characteristics encourages God’s presence.
To sum all of this up. Paul understood the influence of our thoughts on our lives. And that what we allow to occupy our mind will sooner or later determine our speech and our actions. Paul’s exhortation to “dwell on these things” is followed by a second exhortation to “do what you have learned and received and heard”. The combination of virtues listed verses 8-9 is sure to produce a wholesome thought pattern, which in turn will result in a life of moral and spiritual excellence.