Rejoicing in the Lord, and set free from care, we shall be able peacefully to delight our souls in the things that are pure and praiseworthy. In a world far from God we are continually faced with evil. It is in us and around us; it presses upon us from every side. At times we have to face it and deal with it in ourselves, or others; but, even so, to have to do with evil, in any form, is defiling and soiling to the mind. Alas! there is often with us a tendency to pry into evil, and to be over-busy in contending against it!
God would have us to find our delight in all that is true, and noble, and just and pure. The flesh in us is ever ready to listen to slander, and bad reports, and things that are vicious and blameworthy. But, says the Apostle, listen to the good report, and if there is anything virtuous and praiseworthy in your brother, "think on these things."