But wisdom is justified of all her children.

LUKE 7:35KJV
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Luke 7:35 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:35 mean?

Luke 7:35 says that wisdom is shown to be right by all her children, meaning that the true value of wisdom is proven by the results it produces in people’s lives. The verse suggests that those who respond to God’s ways—no matter how unexpected—demonstrate the truth and goodness of divine wisdom.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after describing how people criticized both John the Baptist and himself for their different lifestyles. By saying “wisdom is justified of all her children,” Jesus points out that the real evidence of wisdom is seen in the lives and actions of those who accept it, not in the opinions of critics. The verse encourages listeners to look at the outcomes of God’s work rather than judging by appearances or expectations.

The Greek behind Luke 7:35

  • σοφία (sophia, “wisdom”): This word refers to practical, godly insight or understanding. Here, it stands for God’s way of working, even when it doesn’t match human expectations.
  • δικαιόω (dikaioō, “justified”): This Greek word means “shown to be right” or “proved righteous.” The verse uses it to say that wisdom’s true worth is revealed by its results.
  • τέκνον (teknon, “children”): This word means “children” or “offspring.” In this context, it refers to the people whose lives show the fruit of God’s wisdom—those who respond faithfully.

Why Luke 7:35 matters

  • Luke 7:35 clears up the idea that wisdom is always obvious or accepted by everyone; instead, its truth is seen in the changed lives of those who follow it.
  • The verse connects to the criticism Jesus and John faced, showing that God’s ways may be misunderstood but are ultimately vindicated by their results.
  • Luke 7:35 helps readers see that outward appearances or popular opinion are not the best tests of what is truly wise or right.

Where else these words appear

“justified” Greek G1344 · used in 36 verses

  • 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.
  • Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
  • Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

“wisdom” Greek G4678 · used in 49 verses

  • 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.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
  • Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

“children” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;