Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 17:26 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity. "
Proverbs 17:26
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.
26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.
27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.
28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.
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In disputes between rulers and their subjects, and such disputes often arise, rulers must be careful never to punish the innocent. They should never be a terror to good works, because that would abuse their power and betray the great trust placed in them. It is not good, that is, it is a very bad thing, and it will end badly, whatever outcome they hope for. When princes become tyrants and persecutors, their thrones will be neither comfortable nor secure.
Subjects, for their part, must be careful not to complain about government when it is simply doing its duty. It is a wicked thing to attack rulers for doing what is right, whether by slandering their rule or by secret efforts against them. The ten tribes, who rebelled against Solomon, are an example, since they blamed him for laying necessary taxes on them. Some understand the verse as saying, “Do not strike the upright for doing right.” Rulers must make sure that no one suffers under them for doing well, and parents must also be careful not to stir up their children to anger by unfair rebukes.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 17:1
"Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."
Proverbs 17:2
"A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers."
Proverbs 17:3
"The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the hearts."
Proverbs 17:4
"An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue."
Proverbs 17:5
"Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:6
"Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents."
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