December 01, 2022 – Thursday
Lovely
Philippians 4:8 NIV
8 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.
Philippians 4:8 EXB
8 [L Finally; In conclusion; or Now then] Brothers and sisters, ·think about [focus your thoughts on; fill your minds with] things that are true and honorable and ·right [just] and pure and ·beautiful [lovely] and ·respected [commendable]. If there is anything that is ·good [morally excellent] and worthy of praise, ·think about [focus your thoughts on; fill your minds with] these things.
Comment
I have wanted to write on this verse for some time, especially where it says whatever is lovely as I believed that was inclusive of beautiful. That is why I included the Expanded Bible (EXB) version as well as it shows beautiful as equivalent to lovely. But are lovely and beautiful one and the same in this verse?
First, lovely is a translation of the Greek prosphilēs, which only occurs once in scripture. Strong’s G4375 gives us the following definition, friendly towards, i.e. acceptable:—lovely. Vine’s Expository Definition does better when it provides the following showing how the word is constructed, Lovely: “pleasing, agreeable, lovely” (pros, “toward,” phileo, “to love”). However, the best definition comes from the HELPS Word-studies here which has first, prosphilḗs (an adjective, derived from 4314 /prós, “extending toward” and 5368 /philéō, “affectionate caring”). And that is followed by properly, worthy of personal affection; hence, dearly prized, i.e. worth the effort to have and embrace
One commentary said, lovely is that which is deserving of love. Another commentary notes, The Christian is here reminded that his Master would have him attend to manner as well as matter in his life. Grace should make gracious. Still yet another, David Guzik, combines all the attributes including lovely and tells us, These, Paul would say, are the fruit and the food of the mind that is guarded by the peace of God. When we put these good things into our mind, they stay in our mind and then come forth from us.
Now, in closing I am going to try to attach two photos that to me are so lovely and breathtakingly beautiful, they make me think of God.
Bottom Line: If whatever you find lovely or beautiful does not put you in mind of God, what is it really then?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Paul’s words here to look and see what is around us that may and should lead us to think of You and Your Son. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek
