Luke 7:35

KJV

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G2532} wisdom {G4678} is justified {G1344} of {G575} all {G3956} her {G846} children {G5043}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Well, the proof of wisdom is in all the kinds of people it produces."

Berean Standard Bible

But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

American Standard Version

And wisdom is justified of all her children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:35 serves as a profound declaration by Jesus, concluding His assessment of "this generation's" rejection of both John the Baptist and Himself. It asserts that divine Wisdom, personified, is ultimately vindicated not by the approval of the obstinate and critical, but by the lives and responses of those who genuinely embrace and live by its truth. These "children of wisdom" are the living proof that God's ways, though often misunderstood or opposed, are inherently righteous and will always be proven true.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the concluding statement to Jesus' lament over "this generation" (primarily the Jewish religious leaders and the general populace) and their inconsistent responses to God's messengers. In the preceding verses, [Luke 7:31-34](/luke/7-31-34 "Luke 7:31-34 - Jesus' Parable of the Children in the Marketplace"), Jesus employs a parable of children playing in the marketplace who refuse to participate, no matter the tune played. He highlights how they rejected John the Baptist for his ascetic lifestyle ("came neither eating bread nor drinking wine," [Luke 7:33](/luke/7-33 "Luke 7:33 - John the Baptist's Austere Life")), accusing him of having a demon. Then, they rejected Jesus for His more accessible, inclusive approach ("came eating and drinking," [Luke 7:34](/luke/7-34 "Luke 7:34 - Jesus' Inclusive Ministry")), labeling Him a glutton and a winebibber. This pattern of rejection, based on superficial judgments rather than spiritual discernment, sets the stage for Jesus' powerful declaration in [Luke 7:35](/luke/7-35 "Luke 7:35 - Wisdom is Justified by Her Children"), affirming that true wisdom finds its vindication in those who recognize and respond to it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first-century Jewish society was deeply steeped in prophetic tradition and messianic expectation. There was a strong emphasis on discerning true prophets from false ones, often based on external signs or adherence to specific interpretations of the Law. However, Jesus critiques a prevailing mindset that was more concerned with outward conformity and human expectations than with genuine spiritual receptivity. The religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees and scribes, often held rigid views on piety and purity, which led them to dismiss those who did not fit their mold, whether it was John's wilderness asceticism or Jesus' table fellowship with "sinners." This cultural context of judgmentalism and a lack of spiritual discernment is crucial for understanding why Jesus needed to declare that God's wisdom would be justified by its true adherents, not by the fickle opinions of those who refused to see.

* **Key Themes:** [Luke 7:35](/luke/7-35 "Luke 7:35 - Wisdom is Justified by Her Children") powerfully reinforces several key themes present in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Wisdom's Vindication**. God's plan and truth, personified as Wisdom, are inherently righteous and will ultimately be proven true, regardless of human opposition or misunderstanding. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **Spiritual Discernment**. True wisdom is not about conforming to human preferences or superficial appearances but requires genuine spiritual insight to recognize God's work, whether through the austere ministry of [John the Baptist](/luke/7-24 "Luke 7:24 - Jesus' Testimony about John the Baptist") or the more accessible ministry of Jesus. Finally, the verse introduces the concept of **The "Children" of Wisdom**, who are those individuals who respond positively to God's revelation, accepting the truth taught by both John and Jesus. Their transformed lives, faith, and obedience serve as living evidence and justification of Wisdom's validity and divine origin, demonstrating that God's way is indeed right.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wisdom (Greek, _sophía'_):** From σοφός; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual). In this context, _sophía_ refers to God's divine plan, purpose, and truth, as revealed through His messengers, John the Baptist and Jesus. It embodies the inherent righteousness and coherence of God's redemptive work.
* **is justified (Greek, _dikaióō'_):** From δίκαιος; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent:--free, justify(-ier), be righteous. Here, _dikaióō_ is in the passive voice, indicating that wisdom is "proven right," "vindicated," or "shown to be righteous." It means that God's wisdom does not need human validation to be true, but its truth is demonstrated and confirmed by its effects and by those who embrace it.
* **children (Greek, _téknon'_):** From the base of τίκτω; a child (as produced). These are not merely biological offspring but spiritual progeny—those who are truly "born of" or belong to wisdom because they have accepted and lived by its principles. Their lives are the tangible evidence that God's wisdom is effective and true.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But wisdom":** This phrase introduces a contrast (the "But") to the preceding narrative where "this generation" rejected both John and Jesus. "Wisdom" here is personified, representing God's divine plan, truth, and the way He works in the world through His messengers. It stands in stark opposition to the folly and spiritual blindness of those who refuse to acknowledge God's work.
* **"is justified":** This signifies that God's wisdom is vindicated, proven right, or shown to be righteous. It implies an ultimate confirmation of its truth and validity, not by the critics, but by an inherent demonstration of its nature and efficacy. It is a divine declaration that God's ways are indeed just and true, despite human skepticism or rejection.
* **"of all her children":** This identifies the agents through whom wisdom's justification is made manifest. "Her children" are those who have responded positively to God's truth as presented by John and Jesus. Their transformed lives, their faith, their repentance, and their obedience are the living testimonies that validate and demonstrate the righteousness of God's wisdom. They are the fruit that proves the tree.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 7:35 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Personification**, where "wisdom" is given human attributes, specifically having "children" who justify her. This elevates God's divine plan and truth to a living entity, capable of being vindicated by its followers. This personification echoes the portrayal of Wisdom in Old Testament books like Proverbs (e.g., [Proverbs 8:1-36](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Call of Wisdom")), where Wisdom cries out and offers guidance. There is also an element of **Irony** in this statement. While the "wise" and religious leaders of the day rejected God's messengers, it is the humble and receptive, often considered less significant, who truly affirm God's wisdom through their lives. Finally, the verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, a concise and memorable truth that encapsulates a deeper theological principle, serving as a concluding summary to Jesus' preceding critique.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:35 stands as a powerful theological statement affirming the ultimate triumph and inherent righteousness of God's divine plan, even in the face of human opposition and misunderstanding. It teaches that God's wisdom does not depend on human approval for its validity, but its truth is demonstrated through the lives of those who genuinely embrace it. This concept of divine vindication, where God's ways are proven true by their fruit and by those who live by them, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It challenges believers to align their lives with God's truth, recognizing that their transformed existence serves as a testament to the power and righteousness of God's wisdom in a world often hostile to it.

* [Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Wisdom Justified by Her Deeds")
* [Proverbs 8:32-36](/proverbs/8-32-36 "Proverbs 8:32-36 - Blessings of Wisdom")
* [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Wisdom from Above")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:35 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It calls us to examine our own hearts and biases, ensuring that we are not like the "this generation" Jesus critiqued, quick to dismiss God's work because it doesn't fit our preconceived notions or personal preferences. Instead, we are called to be "children of wisdom," characterized by spiritual discernment and humble receptivity to God's truth, no matter how or through whom it is revealed. Our lives, marked by faith, repentance, and obedience, become the most compelling testimony to God's truth. When we live according to God's ways, we actively "justify" or demonstrate the righteousness of His wisdom in the world, allowing our light to shine before others so that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")). Even when God's ways are misunderstood, criticized, or outright rejected by many, we can rest assured that His divine wisdom will ultimately be proven right, both in the present through the transformed lives of His people and in the future when all things are made clear.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to reject God's wisdom because it doesn't fit my expectations or preferences, similar to "this generation" in Luke 7?**
* **How does my life actively "justify" or demonstrate the truth and righteousness of God's wisdom to those around me?**
* **What specific areas of my life need greater spiritual discernment to recognize and embrace God's work, even when it appears unconventional?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is more receptive to God's truth, regardless of the messenger or method?**

### FAQ

**What does "wisdom is justified of all her children" mean in simple terms?**

Answer: In simple terms, it means that God's truth and His way of doing things (referred to as "wisdom") are proven to be right and good by those who truly understand and follow them. Even if many people reject or criticize God's messengers (like John the Baptist and Jesus), the lives of those who accept and live by God's wisdom serve as undeniable proof that God's way is correct and effective. It's like saying, "The proof of the pudding is in the eating" – the proof of God's wisdom is in the transformed lives of those who embrace it.

**Who are the "children of wisdom" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "children of wisdom" are those individuals who respond positively to God's revelation and messengers. In the immediate context of [Luke 7](/luke/7 "Luke 7 - Jesus' Ministry and Teachings"), these are the tax collectors and sinners who listened to John the Baptist's message of repentance and were baptized ([Luke 7:29](/luke/7-29 "Luke 7:29 - The People and Tax Collectors Justified God")), and those who followed Jesus, believing in His teachings and experiencing His grace. They are not defined by their social status or religious adherence, but by their humble and receptive hearts that embrace God's truth, even when it challenges societal norms or religious expectations.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Luke's Gospel?**

Answer: This verse encapsulates a crucial theme in Luke's Gospel: the contrast between those who humbly receive God's message and those who proudly reject it. Luke often highlights Jesus' compassion for the marginalized and His criticism of the self-righteous. Just as the "tax collectors and the prostitutes" were entering the kingdom before the religious elite ([Matthew 21:31](/matthew/21-31 "Matthew 21:31 - Tax Collectors and Prostitutes Enter the Kingdom")), [Luke 7:35](/luke/7-35 "Luke 7:35 - Wisdom is Justified by Her Children") affirms that God's wisdom is validated not by human approval, but by the genuine response of those who are open to it, regardless of their background. It underscores God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of His divine plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:35 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the embodiment of divine Wisdom, and in His followers as the living demonstration of that wisdom's transformative power. The Old Testament often personifies Wisdom as a divine attribute or agent in creation and redemption (e.g., [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Call of Wisdom")). In the New Testament, Jesus is explicitly identified as the very "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Therefore, when Jesus declares, "wisdom is justified of all her children," He is implicitly declaring that His own ministry, His teachings, and His very person are vindicated by those who believe in Him. The "children of wisdom" are those who, by grace through faith, are born again into God's family, becoming disciples of Christ. Their transformed lives, marked by repentance, faith, and obedience, serve as the irrefutable evidence that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the divine Wisdom of God, whose way is eternally true and righteous. The justification of wisdom is thus the justification of Christ Himself, demonstrated through the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of His Church, proving that the Lamb of God truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 8:32

¶ Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed [are they that] keep my ways.

Proverbs 8:36

But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

Matthew 11:19

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Hosea 14:9

Who [is] wise, and he shall understand these [things]? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD [are] right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.

Proverbs 17:16

¶ Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.