Proverbs 17:26

ยถ Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes for equity.

Also to punish {H6064} the just {H6662} is not good {H2896}, nor to strike {H5221} princes {H5081} for equity {H3476}.

To punish the innocent is not right, likewise to flog noble people for their uprightness.

It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty.

Also to punish the righteous is not good, Norto smite the noble fortheiruprightness.

Commentary

Proverbs 17:26, from the King James Version, is a powerful statement on the nature of justice and governance within a society. It highlights two specific actions that are fundamentally "not good" or morally wrong in the eyes of biblical wisdom: the perversion of justice against the innocent and the opposition to righteous authority.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, largely attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart practical guidance for living a righteous and prosperous life. This particular proverb fits within a broader theme of justice, righteousness, and the importance of upright leadership, which are recurring motifs throughout the book. Proverbs often contrasts the path of the wise and righteous with that of the foolish and wicked, emphasizing the societal and personal consequences of each.

Key Themes

  • Injustice Against the Innocent: The first part, "to punish the just [is] not good," condemns the act of inflicting punishment, harm, or penalty upon someone who is innocent or righteous. This is a profound violation of justice, turning the legal system into an instrument of oppression rather than protection. It speaks to the integrity of courts and the moral obligation to uphold truth. This concept is echoed in other scriptures that warn against perverting justice, such as Isaiah 5:23.
  • Opposition to Righteous Authority: The second phrase, "nor to strike princes for equity," addresses the wrongness of opposing, assaulting, or undermining those in authority (princes, rulers, judges) precisely because they are acting justly or upholding what is right. This isn't a blanket endorsement of all rulers but specifically condemns rebellion against those who are genuinely striving for equity and fairness. Such opposition disrupts societal order and hinders the very justice the rulers are attempting to establish. It underscores the importance of respecting legitimate authority that operates with integrity. For further insight into the respect for authority, consider Paul's teachings on governing authorities in Romans 13.
  • Societal Stability: Both parts of the verse point to the foundational principles necessary for a stable and flourishing society. When the innocent are punished and just rulers are assailed, chaos and corruption inevitably follow, undermining the very fabric of peace and order.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "punish" (ืขื ืฉ, 'anash) primarily means "to fine" or "to exact a penalty," suggesting a legal or judicial context. The "just" (ืฆื“ื™ืง, tzaddiq) refers to one who is righteous, upright, and innocent. The term "princes" (ื ื“ื™ื‘, nadiv) denotes nobles or those of high rank and generous spirit, often referring to rulers or judges. "Strike" (ื ื›ื”, nakah) means to smite or beat, indicating physical assault or severe opposition. "Equity" (ืžื™ืฉืจื™ื, meysharim) signifies uprightness, straightness, or justice. The phrase "for equity" implies "because of their just actions" or "in their pursuit of justice," making the opposition to them particularly egregious.

Practical Application

Proverbs 17:26 remains profoundly relevant today. It calls believers and society at large to:

  • Uphold Justice: Actively oppose all forms of injustice, particularly when the innocent are wrongly accused or suffer. This includes advocating for fair legal processes and speaking out against corruption.
  • Respect Righteous Leadership: Support and respect leaders who genuinely strive for justice and equity, even when their decisions are unpopular with some. It cautions against undermining authority simply because one disagrees with a just outcome.
  • Promote Order: Recognize that justice and respect for righteous authority are cornerstones of a stable and flourishing community. Undermining these principles leads to societal decay. This wisdom aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on seeking peace and order, as seen in passages urging prayers for leaders (1 Timothy 2:2).

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that true wisdom involves not only personal righteousness but also a commitment to establishing and maintaining a just and orderly society.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 17:15

    ยถ He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both [are] abomination to the LORD.

  • Proverbs 18:5

    ยถ [It is] not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

  • John 18:22

    And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

  • Micah 5:1

    ยถ Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

  • 2 Samuel 3:39

    And I [am] this day weak, though anointed king; and these men the sons of Zeruiah [be] too hard for me: the LORD shall reward the doer of evil according to his wickedness.

  • Job 34:18

    [Is it fit] to say to a king, [Thou art] wicked? [and] to princes, [Ye are] ungodly?

  • Job 34:19

    [How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.
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