Becoming the Wise Son
The first chapter of Proverbs declares, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning” (1:5). This call to the wise suggests that the most judicious among us are those who are open to instruction and gaining new knowledge. In the next chapter, a father addresses his son, saying, “My son… take in my words and you lay up my commandments with you—to incline your ear to wisdom [and] apply your heart to understanding” (Prov 2:1-2). Here, children receive the teaching of their parents (cf. Prov 1:8) in order to become wise adults who “understand the reverence of the Lord and find the knowledge of God” (Prov 2:5).
The Gospel of Luke presents a young Yeshua as a wise son in the tradition of Proverbs. After Jesus is presented in the Jerusalem temple (see Luke 2:22-38), Luke states, “And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom (σοφία, sophīa). And the favor of God was upon him” (2:40). Likewise, the father of Proverbs tells his son that “because the Lord gives wisdom (σοφία, sophīa)… wisdom will come into your mind” (Prov 2:6, 10 LXX). The Gospel describes Jesus as the Son who receives divine wisdom from God his Father.
Luke cites Proverbs more explicitly when the evangelist says that “Jesus increased in wisdom… and in favor with God and humanity (χάριτι παρὰ θεῷ καὶἀνθρώποις, chāriti parā theō kaī anthrōpois)” (Luke 2:52). The phraseology and syntax of this verse coheres with the Hebrew of Proverbs 3:4, which states that a son who is attentive to his father’s instructions “will find favor (חֵן; hen)… in the sight of God and humanity (אֱלֹהִים וְאָדָם; Elohim ve’adam).” The Gospel's description of the young Yeshua implies that he was always attentive to his Father’s commandments and eager to incline his ear to God’s instruction.
You can learn more profound insights (CLICK HERE for more)
