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: King James Version
" Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. "
Proverbs 17:26
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
24 Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.
26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity.
27 He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
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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, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife."
Proverbs 17:2
"A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren."
Proverbs 17:3
"The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts."
Proverbs 17:4
"A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue."
Proverbs 17:5
"Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished."
Proverbs 17:6
"Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."
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