What does it mean for something to be of good report (Philippians 4:8)?

Answer

The apostle Paul concludes his letter to the church in Philippi with extremely valuable advice (see Philippians 4:4-9). He outlines a two-step strategy for managing anxiety and worry and safeguarding our hearts and minds with God’s peace. The initial step is prayer. We should bring every fear, doubt, and concern to the Lord, express our needs to Him, and express gratitude for all He has done (verses 6–7). The second step is to focus our thoughts: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” «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. », (Philippians 4:8, NKJV).

Paul understood the direct impact our thoughts have on our spiritual well-being. Among the qualities he recommended for right thinking is the directive to contemplate things “of good report.” In various Bible versions, the original adjective is rendered as “commendable” (ESV, CSB) and “admirable” (NIV, NLT).

Reflecting on things that are of good report entails filling our minds with praiseworthy thoughts. For believers, this involves focusing on positive things, behaviors, attitudes, and actions that can uphold our reputation, cultivate our integrity, and elicit commendation from family, friends, and others in our community. We might consider this question: How can I develop godly character in my daily life?In my life, how can I reflect the Lord’s goodness and glory to others? One commentator suggests that focusing on “what is kind and likely to win people, and avoiding what is likely to give offense” is thinking about something of good report (O’Brien, P. T., The Epistle to the Philippians: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary, Eerdmans, 1991, p. 505).

Paul often pondered on things of good report: “For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (Philippians 1:20-21; NLT). The apostle’s thoughts were focused on moral and spiritual worthiness both in his own life and when he considered others: “As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ” «remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; », (1 Thessalonians 1:3, NLT).

Paul praised the praiseworthy: “I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people” (Philemon 1:4-6 (NLT). He admired the admirable: “We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people” (Colossians 1:3-4; NLT). He commended the commendable: “The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter wri

Written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you” «Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: », (2 Corinthians 3:2, NLT).

Paul urged the Philippians, “Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ” «Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; », (Philippians 1:27, NLT). He exhorted the Ephesians “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3;ESV). If we spend time thinking about things worthy of praise and a good reputation, we are less likely to stumble into areas of danger, doubt, and fear. If our thoughts are fixed on God, He will keep us in His perfect peace (see Philippians 4:9;Isaiah 26:3;Colossians 3:15;John 14:27).

The most influential sermon we will ever preach to onlooking unbelievers may not be one of words. It might simply be the quiet testimony of a consistent Christian life shining forth the grace, truth, and love of Jesus Christ. Are we walking in a praiseworthy, admirable, and commendable manner? Is our life a letter of good report? If not, perhaps we need to check our thinking.