Proverbs 17:26

“Also to punish the just [is] not good, etc.] It is evil, and an abomination to the Lord, (<201715>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”f508 or cause men to be stricken, scourged, and whipped for doing well. The Targum is, “nor to smite the righteous, who say right…”

“Also--that is, Equally to be avoided are other sins: punishing good subjects, or resisting good rulers.”

“Nor to strike ... - Better, and to strike the noble (in character rather than in rank) is against right. Compare John 18:28. return to 'Top of Page'”

“To strike - Nor to smite magistrates, either with the hand or tongue, for the execution of justice. Next: Proverbs Chapter 18”

“to punish: Pro 17:15, Pro 18:5; Gen 18:25 to strike: Sa2 3:23-25, Sa2 3:39, Sa2 16:7, Sa2 16:8, Sa2 19:7; Job 34:18, Job 34:19; Mic 5:1; Joh 18:22 Proverbs 17:27”

“26 Also to inflict punishment on the righteous is not good; This, that one overthrows the noble on account of his rectitude. Does the גּם \[also\] refer to a connection from which the proverb is separated? or is it tacitly supposed that there are many kinds of worthless men in the world, and that one from among them is brought forward? or is it meant, that to lay upon the righteous a pecuniary punishment is also not good? None of all these. The proverb must have a meaning complete in itself; and if pecuniary punishment and corporeal punishment were regarded as opposed to one another, 26b would then have begun with אף כּי (quanto magis percutere ingenuos). Here it is with גם as at Pro 20:11,…”