Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 11:19

"The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! And wisdom is justified by her works." — Matthew 11:19 (ASV)

“For” shows that Jesus now gives the reason why the behavior of “this generation” suggests the above comparison. John the Baptist lived ascetically, neither indulging in dinner parties (cf. 3:4) nor drinking alcohol (cf. Lk 1:15). Although he drew crowds (vv.7–8), yet the people as a whole rejected him, even charging him with demon possession. Jesus came eating and drinking (9:10–11) and was charged with gluttony, drunkenness, and bad associations. Like disgruntled children, “this generation” found it easier to whine their criticisms and voice their discontent than to “play the game” (see comment on Lk 7:29– 35).

But the criticism runs at a still deeper level. If they had understood John, they would have understood Jesus, and vice versa; the thought has links with vv.7–15.

The closing proverb has provoked much debate because Luke has “all her children” and Matthew “her actions.” The proverb should be read in the light of the preceding parable: God’s wisdom has been vindicated by the lifestyles of both John and Jesus, referred to in the previous verses. Wisdom in the OT is much concerned with right living. John and Jesus have both been criticized and rejected for the way they live. But wisdom, preeminently concerned about right living, has been vindicated by her actions: their respective lifestyles are both acknowledged.