Proverbs 17:26 - Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness

It is surely not good to punish the innocent
This 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 Innocent
Refers 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 Noble
This 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 Punishment
The 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 Justice
As 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 Integrity
Integrity 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 Judgment
We 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 Authority
Those 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 Suffering
For 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.

(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 surely
גַּ֤ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

good
ט֑וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to punish
עֲנ֣וֹשׁ (‘ă·nō·wōš)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6064: To urge, to inflict a, penalty, to fine

the innocent
לַצַּדִּ֣יק (laṣ·ṣad·dîq)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

or to beat
לְהַכּ֖וֹת (lə·hak·kō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5221: To strike

a noble
נְדִיבִ֣ים (nə·ḏî·ḇîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5081: Voluntary, generous, magnanimous, a grandee

for
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his honesty.
יֹֽשֶׁר׃ (yō·šer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3476: Straightness, uprightness

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Proverbs 17:26 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not (Prov. Pro Pr)