Secular virtues

“Finally, brothers, 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
Just as the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc., Paul here lists a number of human virtues held in high regard by the Greeks.
‘true’ – alethes – not concealing
‘noble’ – semnos – honest, venerable
‘right’ – dikaios – equitable, innocent, just
‘pure’ – hagnos – clean
‘lovely’ – prosphiles – friendly towards, acceptable
‘admirable’ – euphemos – well-spoken of, reputable, of good report
These are all things that distinguish a person in society as being a ‘good person’. Similarly there are many things that the secular world produces that are not necessarily evil: art, literature, etc. We can enjoy looking at beautiful paintings and reading uplifting poetry. However, we do need to “test all things [and] hold on to the good” (1 Thess. 5:21). Whatever we enjoy from the secular world, we must test against these virtues. Is this TV programme ‘clean’ and ‘acceptable’? Is this book something to be admired?