Proverbs 17:26

26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for their equity.

Proverbs 17:26 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 17:26

Also to punish the just [is] not good
It is evil, and an abomination to the Lord, ( Proverbs 17:15 ) . Evildoers indeed should be punished; but to punish the righteous also, as well as them, is far from being commendable; [nor] to strike princes for equity:
to strike princes, judges, civil magistrates, for doing the duty of their place and office, for doing that which is just and equitable among men, is very criminal, who ought to be encouraged and supported therein. Or it may be rendered, nor "that princes should strike for [that which is] right" ^F2 or cause men to be stricken, scourged, and whipped for doing well. The Targum is,

``nor to smite the righteous, who say right things;''

and so the Syriac version renders it, "righteous ones"; and the word signifies ingenuous liberal persons, good men, such as princes are or ought to be; and who should neither be stricken in the due discharge of their office, nor strike others that do well.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (rvwy le Mybydn twkhl) "principes percuiere ob rectitudinem", Mercerus; "propter recta facta", Piscator, Gataker.

Proverbs 17:26 In-Context

24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.

26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for their equity.

27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words, and a man of understanding is of excelling spirit.

28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise, and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.