Wisdom's Children

The wise approach to the unforeseen path ahead...

Luke 7:35
“But wisdom is justified by all her children.”

This is one of those verses that most of the commentaries dance around and do not address, so it is a good one to test my own methods to explore.  In its immediate context, this statement concludes Jesus’ remarks about John the Baptist in relationship to the lack of response and repentance of the criticizing Pharisees.  John lived in austerity and simplicity, but Jesus lives among the people eating and drinking with them.  The Pharisees criticized both John and Jesus while rejecting their singular message of the Kingdom.

The word translated “wisdom” is the feminine noun σοφία, sophia – which is the usual word for "wisdom.”   No surprises there.

The word translated “justified” is δικαιόω, dikaioō – “to show, to evidence one’s righteousness, or to declare one to be just.”  This verb is used here in the aorist passive tense and voice.  So then wisdom the subject is not the actor, but the action is carried by “all her [wisdom’s] children.”  Who then are the children of the wisdom of John and Jesus?  The children of wisdom are the repentant ones who have believed the message of the Kingdom.

It is important to understand that Jesus is NOT saying that the end justifies the means.  Following the call of Jesus and John to repent proves the righteousness of the wisdom of the gospel which is foolishness with men.

By way of application, the emphasis on personal gratification and the belief in the importance of self image is not new.  The Pharisees codified these principles in their own interpretation of the law.  When life is seen from that perspective, the necessity of results and appearances trumps the necessity of personal righteousness.  The pragmatic, end-justifies-means world view keeps those who believe and practice it from the wisdom of repentance and entry into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Here is the difference between “wisdom is justified by her children” and “the end justifies the means.”

·         The premise behind “end justifies the means” is that in anticipation of a “beneficial” result any means are justified, even actions that in themselves may be unrighteous.

·         The premise behind “wisdom justified by her children” is that the wisdom of doing right will be proven by the results of that choice even when those results cannot be foreseen or anticipated at the time.

Though I know by faith I am one of wisdom’s children, I still face this choice constantly – to live by faith and obedience to the gospel or to live my own wits expecting somehow it will turn out right.  Part of being deliberate in my Christianity is overcoming the pressure of the immediate ends and making choices based on faith leaving the results to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Coram deo