Proverbs 17:26 - Printer Friendly

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

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

NASB: It is also not good to fine the righteous, Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.

CSB: It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person or to beat a noble for his honesty.

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

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

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

In this verse Solomon condemns the government official who punishes a righteous person for doing what is proper. In Solomon's era, the only ones who could "strike a noble" were more highly exalted noblemen or kings. So, this proverb also rebukes the higher-ranking officer who punishes a lower officer for acting with integrity. This fits with other statements denouncing perversions of justice (Proverbs 17:7, 8, 15, 23). It's immoral and shameful for those in power to use their position to attack those who do good (Proverbs 14:34). Whether that is inspired by greed or spite, it's a despicable act.

Such practices are not only sinful, but they also create deep resentment. After Solomon's death, the Israelites asked Solomon's son and successor Rehoboam to lighten the people's financial burden. Some apparently thought Solomon's taxes were excessive (1 Kings 12:1–5). Rehoboam sought advice from Solomon's advisors. They suggested a tax reduction to help the people. Instead, Rehoboam followed the cruel advice of his friends (1 Kings 12:6–11). To flaunt his power and authority, Rehoboam instead made the taxes much higher (1 Kings 12:12–14). While taxes are not the same thing as "fines," harsh taxation and unjust fees are an unfair and heavy burden on citizens. Rehoboam's choice led to the division of the entire kingdom (1 Kings 12:16–20).

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.