# approve

This refers to examining things and taking only those that are good. Alternate translation: "test and choose"

# what is excellent

"what is most pleasing to God"

# sincere and without offense

The words "sincere" and "without offense" mean basically the same thing. Paul combines them to emphasize moral purity. Alternate translation: "completely blameless" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])