Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines commendable as, deserving of high regard and approval. Commendable has numerous synonyms including meritorious, excellent, impressive, admirable, worthy and creditable. The ASV and King James translate commendable as “good report”. With the Amplified Bible reading, “whatever is kind and winsome and gracious”. The Greek word used by Paul means “well spoken of, i.e. reputable, of good report. The apostle is exhorting us by way of the Philippian Christians to meditate or ponder, to take inventory on commendable things, to have commendable thoughts.
In the very next verse Paul moves from thinking on these things to practicing these things. Commentators agree that the list of things to think about in verse eight is what Paul is referring to when he says, “. . . practice these things” in verse nine.
Paul was very aware of the importance of his ministry to be commendable or well-spoken of. He wrote, But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 4:2 ESV) Paul desired for his life and ministry to be creditable. His aim was to live truthful and speak the truth so the consciences of men would approve the truth and find the gospel commendable.
There were other ministers in the early church who had commendable reputations. Paul commended Phoebe as a servant to the church. He wrote to the Roman church saying, “. . . she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.” He commended Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23), Epaphras and Tychicus, (Colossians 1:7; 4:7) as well as others. Paul commends these men as beloved brothers, faithful ministers and fellow servants. He wrote, We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way . . . (2 Corinthians 6:3-4a ESV) “Paul and his fellow-laborers endeavored to live as became the ministers of God, and so as to commend the ministry to the confidence and affection of men. They endeavored to live as was appropriate to those who were the ministers of God, and so that the world would be disposed to do honor to the ministry.” (Albert Barnes)
As Christians we too should have a “good report” about us. Our lives should reflect the life of Christ. Our reputations and behavior should be commendable so that we might find favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). King Solomon wrote, A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1). The apostle Paul admonished us to let our manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). He urged us to walk worthy of the calling to which we have been called (Ephesians 4:1). And he charged us to walk in a manner worthy of God (1Thessalonians 2:12). If we live in this way our lives will be commendable as will the gospel message we preach.
Do you live a commendable life?
Scriptures for meditation:
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Romans 12:18