Philippians 4:8 “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.”
What is virtue? Very simply put, a virtue is a behavior showing high moral standards. It has been defined as “conformity to a standard of right.” However, that is still a bit subjective. Every culture has its idea of what is right. For instance, in Iceland, nudity is proper and good. In America, you will be charged with indecent exposure for nudity in public.
Laying all cultural differences aside, there is a standard that is universal for those who claim the name of Christ. Our standard of right is determined by God and made clear in his Word, the Bible. To know what God deems as right we must study His Word. Virtue begins with the way a person thinks. Before we can act on a virtue, our mind must be engaged.
When Paul wrote this simple power-packed verse, he added the phrase “if there be any virtue.” He understood that his list did not include every possible virtuous action. So, he added, that if there was anything else that had the nature of true virtue, we should be careful to cultivate that also. Those things should be the object of our thinking, study, and practice.
One important example of being virtuous is in Proverbs 31. This proverb is a lesson from a mom to her son on the virtues he should look for in a future wife. If we think about virtuous things it is reasonable that the actions should follow.
In Proverbs 31, we are given word pictures of a woman of virtue. Philippians 4:8 and Proverbs 31 come together as we see Philippians 4:8 acted out in Proverbs 31. Proverbs 31:10 gives us the value of these actions and their rarity.
Proverbs 31:10 “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
This woman’s faith must come first. She fears the Lord, and verse 26 tells us she is wise. In Psalm 111:10, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
In verse 11, we are told her husband safely trusts in her. There is no reason for him to doubt her because she has proven that she is truthful and honest.
Proverbs 31:11 “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her so that he shall have no need of spoil.”
In verse 12, we see that she is seeking to do her husband good all the days of her life. She is committed to doing good. She has shown by her actions that she is always thinking of others first. She doesn’t feel sorry for herself thinking she’s getting the short end of the stick, she wants to serve to make life easier for others around her. It is her delight to serve because she is consumed with her love for others. Note, she is serving out of love, not out of duty. If we serve out of duty it will become drudgery, before long we will become bitter and tired because it’s simply a duty. This woman has a passion to please God and a love that carries her through any task. When she lays down at night, she is exhausted, but her rest is good because she knows she has made others’ lives better. She understands John 14:15, where we are taught that our love is equal to our obedience.
Proverbs 31:12 “She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
In verses 13 and 14, she is working with her hands. She is taking care of their clothing. In our day we are not gathering flax and using a spinning wheel to make our own material, but we need to take care of our family’s clothing. It would include washing, mending, ironing, using consignment shops, or passing them down to those who are less fortunate. It’s part of being a good steward of what God has provided. She is also making sure they have good meals to eat. She gets up early before the family and prepares for her family and those employed by her. She is not lazy. She plans and executes her plan. She is just in the way she treats others and in the way she handles her business affairs.
Proverbs 31:13-15 “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”
In verses 18-24, she is never idle there is nothing lazy about this woman. In verse 20, she reaches out to the poor she has a heart of compassion. In verse 21, it does not concern her that winter is coming, because she has already prepared to clothe her family.
Proverbs 31:18-22 “She perceived that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.”
We see in verse 23, her husband is known in the gates. She has kept a good reputation, not only for herself and her children but for her husband also. Whatever we do, and how we act is a direct reflection on our husbands and our family. The Bible teaches that the husband is the head of the house and how we receive their headship will be noted by others. This woman has kept such an honorable reputation that her husband sits with the noble respected men at the gate.
Proverbs 31:23 “Her husband is known in the gates when he sitteth among the elders of the land.”
She lives a selfless life. Her own desires for fame or ambition do not enter her mind. She is not jealous of the notoriety of her husband; she is happy to stay in the background. She is an exhibit of Matthew 23:12, where Jesus is teaching that those who are humble God will exalt.
Matthew 23:12 “And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
God always takes care of those who are sold out to His plan. Because of her focus, she is strong and wise. The reward and result are that her children and her husband will praise and honor her.
Proverbs 31:28 “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
As we look at Philippians 4:8 and Proverbs 31, we see the importance of thinking on virtuous things. The way we think always guides our actions. So, how’s your thinking today?
