It is surely not good to punish the innocentThis phrase emphasizes the principle of justice that is deeply rooted in biblical teaching. The concept of punishing the innocent is contrary to the character of God, who is just and righteous. In the Mosaic Law, there are numerous commands to protect the innocent and ensure fair treatment (
Exodus 23:7). The story of Naboth's vineyard (1 Kings 21) illustrates the consequences of false accusations and the punishment of an innocent man, highlighting the corruption that can occur when justice is perverted. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus, the ultimate innocent, was unjustly punished, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant in
Isaiah 53.
or to flog a noble for his honesty
Flogging, a common form of punishment in ancient times, was often used to maintain order and discipline. However, this phrase warns against using such measures on those who are noble and honest. The term "noble" can refer to someone of high moral character or social standing. In biblical history, figures like Daniel and Joseph were noble individuals who faced unjust treatment despite their integrity. This phrase underscores the importance of upholding truth and integrity, aligning with the biblical call to speak truthfully and act justly (Micah 6:8). The unjust treatment of noble individuals can be seen as a type of Christ, who, despite His sinlessness and noble character, was flogged and crucified, demonstrating the ultimate miscarriage of justice.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The InnocentRefers to individuals who are blameless or have not committed any wrongdoing. In the context of this proverb, it highlights the injustice of punishing those who are undeserving of such treatment.
2.
The NobleThis term can refer to someone of high moral character or social standing. The proverb emphasizes the wrongness of punishing someone for their integrity, which is a quality that should be honored, not condemned.
3.
The Act of PunishmentThe proverb addresses the act of administering punishment, particularly when it is unjustly applied to those who are innocent or noble.
Teaching Points
The Importance of JusticeAs Christians, we are called to uphold justice and ensure that our actions and judgments are fair and righteous. Punishing the innocent is a grave injustice that goes against God's character.
Valuing IntegrityIntegrity is a virtue that should be celebrated and protected. We must be careful not to penalize those who stand firm in their moral convictions, even when it is unpopular.
Discernment in JudgmentWe must exercise discernment and wisdom in our judgments, ensuring that we do not hastily or unjustly condemn others. This requires a heart aligned with God's truth and righteousness.
The Role of AuthorityThose in positions of authority have a responsibility to administer justice fairly. This proverb serves as a warning against the misuse of power and the importance of accountability.
Enduring Unjust SufferingFor those who suffer unjustly for their integrity, there is a call to endure with grace, trusting that God sees and will ultimately vindicate the righteous.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 17:26?
2.How does Proverbs 17:26 guide us in treating the righteous and noble?
3.What does Proverbs 17:26 reveal about God's view on punishing the innocent?
4.How can we apply Proverbs 17:26 in our daily interactions with others?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize justice and fairness like Proverbs 17:26?
6.How can Proverbs 17:26 influence our decisions in leadership or authority roles?
7.What does Proverbs 17:26 reveal about justice and punishment in biblical times?
8.How does Proverbs 17:26 challenge modern views on fairness and authority?
9.Why is it considered wrong to punish the righteous according to Proverbs 17:26?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17?
11.How do we reconcile Zophar's rigid cause-and-effect theology in Job 20 with other biblical passages (like Psalm 73) that acknowledge the prosperity of the wicked without immediate judgment?
12.Proverbs 17:15 declares it detestable to acquit the guilty or condemn the innocent. Why, then, do biblical narratives sometimes show God allowing what appears to be unjust suffering?
13.Under Deuteronomy 17:6, how could the requirement of 'two or three witnesses' fail to prevent false accusations or collusion?
14.1 Samuel 25:21-22 - Why would David, future king, threaten such violence over a refusal of hospitality, seemingly contradicting biblical ethics of mercy?What Does Proverbs 17:26 Mean
It is surely not good• The proverb opens with an undeniable moral verdict. Scripture repeatedly affirms that some actions are always wrong, no matter who commits them or why.
•Proverbs 28:21 warns, “To show partiality is not good,” underscoring that true justice cannot be swayed by bribes, threats, or social pressure.
•Isaiah 5:20 cautions against twisting morality: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” God’s standards stand firm even when culture re-labels them.
•Micah 6:8 reminds us what God calls “good”: “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Any behavior violating these qualities is “surely not good.”
to punish the innocent• The phrase targets judicial abuse—condemning people who have done no wrong.
•Exodus 23:7 commands, “Stay far from a false charge. Do not kill the innocent and the just, for I will not acquit the guilty.” God holds judges and leaders personally accountable for protecting innocent lives.
•Proverbs 17:15 comments on the flip side: “Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.” Wrongful punishment mocks God’s own character of justice.
• In practical terms this applies to
– courtrooms that convict without evidence,
– gossip that ruins reputations,
– family or church discipline carried out on hearsay rather than facts.
or to flog a noble• “Flog” implies public, humiliating punishment; “noble” refers to one of honorable standing. Hitting an upright person attacks both dignity and community order.
•Deuteronomy 25:1-3 regulates corporal punishment and limits lashes, proving that even when guilt is established, restraint is required. Flogging a noble when no crime exists breaks both justice and mercy.
• The Sanhedrin ignored this wisdom when it “had [the apostles] flogged” for preaching Christ (Acts 5:40). Pilate likewise scourged Jesus (John 19:1), displaying how corrupt power misuses force against righteousness.
• God’s design: authority protects, not abuses, the honorable. When rulers lash out at the just, they invite divine scrutiny and eventual judgment.
for his honesty• The motive behind the punishment—“his honesty”—exposes a deeper evil: silencing truth because it embarrasses or confronts wrongdoing.
• Micaiah told King Ahab only what “the LORD tells me” and was imprisoned for it (1 Kings 22:14-27). Daniel faced a lions’ den simply for faithful prayer (Daniel 6:4-16).
•Acts 4:19 shows apostles refusing a gag order: “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.”
•1 Peter 3:14-16 assures believers that suffering “for what is right” brings blessing, while those who inflict it will “be put to shame.”
• Whenever honesty costs someone socially, financially, or physically, this proverb reminds us God sees and condemns the injustice.
summaryProverbs 17:26 sets a clear, two-part safeguard around justice: never harm the innocent, and never attack honorable people for speaking truth. God labels such actions “surely not good,” aligning with the broader biblical witness that condemning righteousness and rewarding wickedness offend His unchanging character. By respecting truth-tellers and protecting the blameless, we mirror the justice and mercy of the Lord who judges all with perfect equity.
(26)
Also.--Among other evil things. The subject of perversion of justice is again taken up.
To punish.--Especially by fining.
To strike--i.e.,scourge. (Comp.Deuteronomy 25:1-3.)
For equity--i.e., when they have acted uprightly.
Verse 26. -
Also (
gam). This may be intended to connect this verso with what was said above (ver. 23) about the perversion of justice; or, as is more probable, it is used to emphasize what is coming,
To punish the just is not good.Damnum inferre justo, Vulgate;
ζημιοῦν, Septuagint; and the word has a special reference to punishment by fire.
Nor to strike princes for equity; the expression, "is not good," being understood from the former clause. "Princes" are the noble in character rather than in position only. Two forms of evil are named, viz. to punish the innocent, and to visit with contumely and injury the man of high character who cannot be induced to pervert justice. Revised Version,
nor to smite the noble for their uprightness. So virtually the Vulgate, Septuagint, and Syriac. Another rendering is, "to strike the noble is against right," which seems feeble and less suitable to the parallelism.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
It is surelyגַּ֤ם(gam)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andnotלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nogoodט֑וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodto punishעֲנ֣וֹשׁ(‘ă·nō·wōš)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6064:To urge, to inflict a, penalty, to finethe innocentלַצַּדִּ֣יק(laṣ·ṣad·dîq)Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662:Just, righteousor to beatלְהַכּ֖וֹת(lə·hak·kō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5221:To strikea nobleנְדִיבִ֣ים(nə·ḏî·ḇîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5081:Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandeeforעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis honesty.יֹֽשֶׁר׃(yō·šer)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3476:Straightness, uprightness
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not (Prov. Pro Pr) 
