Luke 7:35

Luke 7:35 (KJV): "But wisdom is justified of all her children."

Context of Luke 7:35

This profound statement from Jesus concludes a challenging discourse where He contrasts the reactions of "this generation" (primarily the Jewish religious leaders and the general populace) to both John the Baptist and Himself. In the preceding verses, Luke 7:31-34, Jesus likens them to children playing in the marketplace who are never satisfied, regardless of the tune played. They rejected John the Baptist because he lived an austere life, accusing him of having a demon. They then rejected Jesus because He came "eating and drinking," accusing Him of being a glutton and a winebibber. Despite the clear divine origin of both ministries, the people found fault. Verse 35 serves as Jesus' authoritative declaration that God's truth, personified as Wisdom, will ultimately be proven right by those who truly understand and embrace it.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Wisdom's Vindication: The central message is that God's divine plan and truth, here personified as Wisdom, is inherently righteous and will ultimately be proven true and validated. It does not depend on human approval or rejection but on its own intrinsic value and the fruit it produces.
• Spiritual Discernment: True wisdom is not about conforming to human expectations or preferences for how God should operate. It requires genuine spiritual insight to recognize God's work, whether through the austere ministry of John the Baptist or the more accessible and inclusive ministry of Jesus.
• The "Children" of Wisdom: These are the individuals who respond positively to God's revelation, accepting the truth taught by both John and Jesus. Their transformed lives, their faith, and their obedience serve as living evidence and justification of Wisdom's validity and divine origin. They are the proof that God's way is right.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "wisdom" is sophia (σοφία), which in this context refers to God's divine plan, purpose, and truth as revealed through His messengers, John and Jesus. The term "justified" comes from the Greek edikaiōthē (ἐδικαιώθη), meaning "proven right," "vindicated," or "shown to be righteous." It is in the passive voice, indicating that wisdom is proven right by its "children" (Greek: teknōn), those who are truly born of or belong to wisdom because they have accepted and lived by its principles. Their lives demonstrate its truth.

Practical Application

Luke 7:35 offers profound insights for believers today, encouraging us to look beyond superficial appearances and human biases when discerning spiritual truth. It calls us to:

• Embrace God's Truth, Regardless of Packaging: We should not dismiss divine truth simply because it doesn't fit our preconceived notions or personal preferences. God works in diverse ways, and we must be open to His message no matter the messenger or method.
• Live as Evidence of God's Wisdom: Our lives, marked by faith, repentance, and obedience, are 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, much like the light of good works shining before men.
• Trust in Divine Vindication: 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. The enduring power of the Gospel and the growth of the Church, despite opposition, are ongoing testaments to this truth.