What Does Philippians 4:5 Mean?

(5) **Your moderation.**—The word here rendered “moderation,” properly denotes a sense of what is seemly, or equitable, as distinct from what is required by strict duty or formal law. Such distinction the world recognises when it speaks of what is enjoined, not so much by duty as by “good taste, or “right feeling,” or (with some peculiarity of application) by “chivalrous” feeling, or the “spirit of a gentleman.” Here it denotes the general sense of what is seemly in a Christian tone of character. In 2Corinthians 10:1 (where it is translated “gentleness”) it is ascribed emphatically to our Lord Himself. But *the* usage of the New Testament appropriates it especially to the “sweet reasonableness” which “gentleness” may well designate. Thus, in Acts 24:4 it clearly signifies patience, or forbearance; in 2Corinthians 10:1 it is associated with meekness; in 1Timothy 3:3, Titus 3:2, with peaceableness; in 1Peter 2:8, with kindness; in James 3:17 the word “gentle” is placed between “peaceable” and “easy to be entreated” (or rather, *persuaded*)*.* This spirit is, no doubt, “moderation;” but it is something more. It may refer here both to the exhortation to unity in Philippians 4:1-3, and to the exhortation to joy immediately preceding. It would help the one and chasten the other. **The Lord is at hand.**—A translation of the Syriac “Maran-atha” of 1Corinthians 16:22—obviously a Christian watchword, probably referring to the Second Advent as near at hand; although, of course, not excluding the larger idea of that presence of Christ in His Church of which that Second Advent is the consummation.