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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Matthew 11:19 - 11:19
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Wisdom is justified by her works (edikaiōthē apo tōn ergōn autēs). A timeless aorist passive (Robertson, Grammar, p. 836f.). The word “justified” means “set right” Luke (Luk 7:35) has “by all her children” as some MSS. have here to make Matthew like Luke. These words are difficult, but understandable. God’s wisdom has planned the different conduct of both John and Jesus. He does not wish all to be just alike in everything. “This generation” (Mat 11:16) is childish, not childlike, and full of whimsical inconsistencies in their faultfinding. They exaggerate in each case. John did not have a demon and Jesus was not a glutton or a winebibber. “And, worse than either, for philos is used in a sinister sense and implies that Jesus was the comrade of the worst characters, and like them in conduct. A malicious nickname at first, it is now a name of honour: the sinner’s lover” (Bruce). Cf. Luk 15:2. The plan of God is justified by results.