Proverbs 17:26 kjv

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

Proverbs 17:26 nkjv

Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.

Proverbs 17:26 niv

If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good, surely to flog honest officials is not right.

Proverbs 17:26 esv

To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

Proverbs 17:26 nlt

It is wrong to punish the godly for being good
or to flog leaders for being honest.

Proverbs 17 verses

Proverbs 17 26 Meaning

Proverbs 17:26 declares it morally wrong and unjust to inflict punishment or penalty upon those who are righteous. Furthermore, it condemns the act of striking or harming people of noble character or high standing simply because of their integrity and uprightness. This proverb fundamentally condemns the perversion of justice and the oppression of the innocent, especially when such actions target those who embody virtue or leadership qualities. It asserts that such conduct is antithetical to divine order and true wisdom.

Proverbs 17 26 Context

Proverbs Chapter 17 forms part of the "proverbs of Solomon," reflecting general principles of wisdom. This chapter, like many in Proverbs, often contrasts the wise with the foolish, highlighting their respective characters, behaviors, and consequences. Verses in this chapter cover diverse themes such as family strife, the nature of friendship, the power of words, the perils of bribery, and the importance of justice and integrity. Proverbs 17:26 directly addresses the theme of justice, or rather, the egregious perversion of it.

Historically and culturally, ancient Israelite society, like other Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) cultures, operated with judicial systems where elders and judges were tasked with administering justice. However, these systems were susceptible to corruption, bribery, and the abuse of power by those in authority, including kings and nobles. Perverting justice against an innocent person, especially a righteous one, was a severe offense against God's Law (Torah), which explicitly called for impartiality and protection of the vulnerable (e.g., Exod 23:6-7, Deut 1:17). This proverb therefore serves as a strong ethical and theological statement against such widespread injustices. It implicitly acts as a polemic against any societal or legal system that punishes virtue and rewards wickedness, standing in stark contrast to pagan notions of arbitrary power.

Proverbs 17 26 Word Analysis

• Also (וְגַם - vegam): A conjunction indicating an additional, significant point or continuation of a theme. It connects this proverb to other truths about justice or moral conduct discussed in the surrounding context.

• to punish (עֲנוֹשׁ - 'anosh): From the root אָנַשׁ ('anash), meaning "to fine, penalize, punish." While often carrying the connotation of a financial penalty, it extends to any imposition of suffering, harm, or adverse consequences within a judicial or punitive framework. It signifies inflicting pain or loss as a consequence, whether deserved or not.

• the just (צַדִּיק - tzaddiq): Meaning "righteous, just, upright." In biblical theology, a tzaddiq is one whose character and conduct align with God's moral standards. They live in right relationship with God and others, demonstrating integrity, equity, and virtue. To punish such a person is an affront to divine order.

• is not good (לֹא טוֹב - lo tov): This simple phrase conveys strong moral disapproval. In Hebrew thought, "not good" (lo tov) implies something is contrary to God's will, destructive, or abhorrent. It's not merely inconvenient but morally unacceptable and wrong.

• nor to strike (וּלְהַכּוֹת - ulehakot): From the root נָכָה (nakah), meaning "to strike, smite, beat, wound." It implies inflicting physical violence, injury, or severe hardship. Metaphorically, it can mean to oppress or severely harm.

• nobles (נְדִיבִים - nedivim): Derived from נָדַב (nadab), meaning "to be willing, generous." This term refers to people who are of high birth, princely, or possessing a noble character. It signifies individuals who are distinguished, either by social standing or, more significantly, by their virtuous, generous, and upright disposition.

• for their uprightness (עַל יֹשֶׁר - al yosher): "On account of" or "because of" their יֹשֶׁר (yosher), meaning "integrity, uprightness, rectitude, straightforwardness." This is crucial; the proverb highlights that the reason for the harm is precisely because of their good character, not despite it. It makes the act profoundly unjust.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "to punish the just...is not good": This phrase directly targets the judicial perversion where innocence or righteousness is penalized. It's a foundational statement against miscarriages of justice.
  • "nor to strike nobles for their uprightness": This elevates the condemnation, making it clear that even those of influence or high moral character are not immune to such injustice, and indeed, it is even more reprehensible when their very virtue is the cause of their suffering. The repetition with slightly different terms ("punish the just" / "strike nobles") underscores the widespread nature and moral bankruptcy of such actions, whether within formal judicial processes or general oppression.

Proverbs 17 26 Bonus Section

The deliberate use of צַדִּיק (tzaddiq - righteous) and נְדִיבִים (nedivim - nobles/generous ones) emphasizes the preciousness and rarity of true uprightness and virtue, making the act of harming them even more deplorable. It suggests that such actions attack the very pillars of a just society. This proverb also implies the responsibility of those in authority to not only avoid such perversion themselves but to actively protect the just. The consequences of disregarding this wisdom are often societal decay, divine judgment, and a breakdown of trust within the community, as the foundations of truth and righteousness are undermined.

Proverbs 17 26 Commentary

Proverbs 17:26 serves as a powerful moral compass, asserting that the act of punishing an innocent person, or harming someone of noble character solely due to their integrity, is a profound moral wrong and an affront to divine justice. The proverb reveals two intertwined abominations: the judicial condemnation of the righteous and the malicious targeting of those who exhibit virtue. It highlights that the crime is compounded when it strikes at "nobles" – understood not merely as persons of high status but particularly those who are noble in spirit, characterized by their uprightness and generosity. To oppress such individuals, especially for their good conduct, signifies a complete reversal of justice, a perversion of societal order that God condemns. This truth underpins many biblical narratives of persecuted prophets, righteous individuals like Job, and ultimately, Christ himself, who suffered for his absolute uprightness. Practically, this calls believers to oppose injustice, protect the innocent, and value character over status or popularity, recognizing the spiritual implications of perverting justice.