Matthew 22:17; Jeremiah 4:14; Philippians 4:8
What thinkest thou?
How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
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.
J. R. MILLER (1840-1912): Our thoughts make us. They are the silent builders on the temple of character we are rearing. They give colour and form to the whole building.
ALEXANDER MacLAREN (1826-1910): Thought moulds action. “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he,” Proverbs 23:7. Thought, and work, make character. We come into the world with certain dispositions and bias. But that is not character, it is only the raw material of character―like the lava when it comes out of the volcano. But it hardens, and whatever else my thoughts may do, and whatever effects may follow upon any of my actions, the recoil of them on myself is the most important effect to me. And there is not a thought that comes into, and is entertained by a man, or rolled as a sweet morsel under his tongue, but contributes its own little but appreciable something to the making of the man’s character.
J. R. MILLER: If we think truly, we are rearing up a fabric whiter than Parian marble. If our thoughts are evil, the fabric that is rising within us is blemished.
ALEXANDER MacLAREN: What, then, is the counsel here? “Think on these things.” To begin with, that advice implies that we can, and therefore, that we should, exercise a very rigid control over that part of our lives which a great many of us never think of controlling at all. Exercise control, as becomes you, over the run and drift of your thoughts.
CHARLES SIMEON (1759-1836): Guard against the very first incursion of vain thoughts and foolish imaginations.
ALEXANDER MacLAREN: Put a guard at the gate, as they do in some countries, and let in no vagrant that cannot show his passport, and a clear bill of health. Now, that is a lesson that some of you very much want. But, further, notice that company of fair guests that you may welcome into the hospitalities of your heart and mind. Think on these things―and what are they?
CHARLES SIMEON: Things “virtuous”—Among these “truth” is the first in nature and importance; since, without it, all the bands of society would be dissolved: there would be no such thing as confidence between man and man. Of such consequence is this esteemed in the world, that no virtues, however eminent, can supply the want of it, or render a man respectable, that is regardless of it. And so necessary is it in the eyes of God, that He will banish from Him with abhorrence all who wilfully violate its dictates: “All liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death,” Revelation 21:8.
H. A. IRONSIDE (1876-1951): A lying tongue is an abomination to Him who is Himself the Truth. He delights in truth because it is in accord with His own nature.
ADAM CLARKE (1760-1832): Truth and honesty never wear out. “Think on these things”―Esteem them highly, recommend them heartily, and practice them fervently.
JOHN WESLEY (1703-1791): “Honesty”―A comprehensive word taking in the whole duty we owe to our neighbour.
CHARLES SIMEON: Next to this, and inseparably connected with it, is “justice.” A Christian is to know but one rule of conduct: he is, in all his intercourse with men, to do as he would be done unto; that is, to act towards others, as he, in a change of circumstances, would think it right for them to act towards him. To be guilty of fraud in a way of traffic, or in withholding just debts, or in evading taxes, or putting off base coin, or in any other way whatever, is as inconsistent with the Christian character as adultery or murder.
STEPHEN CHARNOCK (1628-1680): Injustice is a part of unholiness.
THOMAS GOODWIN (1600-1679): It is said, “he that is unjust, let him be unjust still,” Revelation 22:11; that is, he that will be unjust, and refuseth to turn, let him go on. This is a great sin, for God, you see, gives such a man over.
J. R. MILLER: If a man’s life is righteous, you know his thoughts are just; unjust thoughts will never yield righteousness in conduct.
CHARLES SIMEON: Besides these virtues which have respect to our words and actions, there is one virtue that extends to our very thoughts, and that is no less necessary to be cultivated by us―namely, “purity.”
ALEXANDER MacLAREN: There are some who seem to turn this apostolic precept right round about, and whatsoever things are illusory and vain, whatsoever things are mean, and frivolous, and contemptible, whatsoever things are unjust, and whatsoever things are impure, and whatsoever things are ugly, and whatsoever things are branded with a stigma by all men―they think on those things. Like the flies that are attracted to a piece of putrid meat, there are young men who are drawn by all the lustful, the lewd, the impure thoughts; and there are young women who are too idle and uncultivated to have any pleasure in anything higher than gossip and trivial fiction.
CHARLES BRIDGES (1794-1869): Would men dare to indulge their vain thoughts, their light notions, their trifles, their impurities, did they really believe that the LORD searched their hearts?
J. R. MILLER: Thoughts seem mere nothings, flecks of cloud flying through the air, flocks of birds flitting by and gone. But they are the most real things about our life. All things we do are thoughts first. Our thoughts fly out like birds, and take their place in the world. Then our heart is still their home-nest, whither they will return at last to dwell.
ALEXANDER MacLAREN: Once again, as thought makes deeds, and thought and deeds make character, so character makes destiny, here and hereafter. What is a man whose whole life has been one long thought about money-making, or about other objects of earthly ambition, or about the lusts of the flesh, and the lusts of the eye, and the pride of life, to do in heaven? A man will go to his own place, the place for which he is fitted, the place for which he has fitted himself by his daily life, and especially by the trend and the direction of his thoughts.
EDWARD PAYSON (1783-1827): What if God should place in your hand a diamond, and tell you inscribe on it a sentence which should be read at the last day, and shown there as an index of your thoughts and feelings!
CHARLES SIMEON: We are well aware that the best of men may have sinful thoughts rushing into their minds; but will they harbour them? No: every true Christian may say as in the presence of God, “I hate vain thoughts,” Psalm 119:113.
JOHN TRAPP (1601-1699): In the midst of thee, in the very heart of thee, creep in they will, but why should they lodge there?
ALEXANDER MacLAREN: “Whatsoever things are noble and lovely, think on these things,” and get rid of all the others.
