◄ Proverbs 17:26 ►
It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty.
Study Bible
It is surely not good
The phrase "It is surely not good" emphasizes the certainty and moral clarity of the statement. In Hebrew, the word for "good" is "טוֹב" (tov), which often denotes what is beneficial, pleasing, or morally right. The use of "surely" underscores the absolute nature of this moral truth, suggesting that there is no ambiguity in the ethical stance being presented. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God is a God of justice and righteousness, as seen throughout the Scriptures.

to punish the innocent
The Hebrew word for "innocent" is "נָקִי" (naqi), meaning clean, free from guilt, or blameless. The act of punishing the innocent is a direct violation of God's justice, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. The Scriptures consistently advocate for the protection of the innocent and the condemnation of unjust punishment. This phrase serves as a reminder of the divine mandate to uphold justice and protect those who are undeserving of punishment.

or to flog a noble
The term "noble" in Hebrew is "נְדִיב" (nediv), which can refer to someone who is generous, willing, or of noble character. The act of flogging, a severe form of corporal punishment, is particularly egregious when applied to someone of noble character. This phrase highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the dignity and integrity of individuals who demonstrate uprightness and virtue. It reflects the biblical principle that those who are honorable should be treated with respect and not subjected to unjust treatment.

for his honesty
Honesty, in this context, is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the biblical narrative. The Hebrew root for honesty is "יָשָׁר" (yashar), meaning straight, right, or upright. The verse condemns the act of punishing someone for their honesty, which is contrary to the values upheld by God. Throughout the Bible, honesty is portrayed as a reflection of God's character, and those who embody this trait are often commended. This phrase serves as a call to uphold truth and integrity, recognizing that these qualities are foundational to a just and righteous society.

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.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Proverbs 17:26 challenge our understanding of justice and fairness in today's society?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not unjustly punishing or condemning others in our personal and professional lives?

3. How can we support and uphold those who demonstrate integrity, especially when they face opposition or persecution?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to develop discernment in our judgments and decisions?

5. How can the example of Jesus, who suffered unjustly, inspire us to respond to situations where we or others are treated unfairly?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 25:1-3
This passage discusses the proper administration of justice and the importance of fair treatment in legal matters, reinforcing the idea that punishment should be just and proportionate.

Isaiah 5:20
This verse warns against calling evil good and good evil, which connects to the theme of unjust punishment for those who are righteous or innocent.

1 Peter 2:19-20
These verses speak to the commendation of enduring suffering for doing good, which relates to the noble being flogged for their integrity.
Sermons
A Discourse Against RebellionE. Hopkins, D. D.Proverbs 17:26
Striking PrincesJ. Hiles Hitchens, D. D.Proverbs 17:26
Varied Experiences of Good and Evil in LifeE. Johnson Proverbs 17:21-28
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Blows, Equity, Fine, Flog, Impose, Innocent, Integrity, Noble, Nobles, Officials, Princes, Punish, Punishment, Righteous, Righteousness, Smite, Strike, Upright, Uprightness, Wrong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 17:26

     5313   flogging
     8275   honesty

Library
April 8. "A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine" (Prov. xvii. 22).
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Prov. xvii. 22). King Solomon left among his wise sayings a prescription for sick and sad hearts, and it is one that we can safely take. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Joy is the great restorer and healer. Gladness of spirit will bring health to the bones and vitality to the nerves when all other tonics fail, and all other sedatives cease to quiet. Sick one, begin to rejoice in the Lord, and your bones will flourish like an herb, and your cheeks …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

September 12. "The Furnace for Gold; but the Lord Trieth the Hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3. )
"The furnace for gold; but the Lord trieth the hearts" (Prov. xvii. 3.) Remember that temptation is not sin unless it be accompanied with the consent of your will. There may seem to be even the inclination, and yet the real choice of your spirit is fixed immovably against it, and God regards it simply as a solicitation and credits you with an obedience all the more pleasing to Him, because the temptation was so strong. We little know how evil can find access to a pure nature and seem to incorporate …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Unrivalled Friend
A sermon (No. 899) delivered on Lord's Day morning, November 7th, 1869, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."--Proverbs 17:17. There is one thing about the usefulness of which all men are agreed, namely, friendship; but most men are soon aware that counterfeits of friendship are common as autumn leaves. Few men enjoy from others the highest and truest form of friendship. The friendships of this world are …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Its Meaning
Deliverance from the condemning sentence of the Divine Law is the fundamental blessing in Divine salvation: so long as we continue under the curse, we can neither be holy nor happy. But as to the precise nature of that deliverance, as to exactly what it consists of, as to the ground on which it is obtained, and as to the means whereby it is secured, much confusion now obtains. Most of the errors which have been prevalent on this subject arose from the lack of a clear view of the thing itself, and …
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

Religion a Weariness to the Natural Man.
"He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him."--Isaiah liii. 2. "Religion is a weariness;" such is the judgment commonly passed, often avowed, concerning the greatest of blessings which Almighty God has bestowed upon us. And when God gave the blessing, He at the same time foretold that such would be the judgment of the world upon it, even as manifested in the gracious Person of Him whom He sent to give it to us. "He hath no form nor …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and Death.
THAT early spring-tide in Galilee was surely the truest realisation of the picture in the Song of Solomon, when earth clad herself in garments of beauty, and the air was melodious with songs of new life. [2625] It seemed as if each day marked a widening circle of deepest sympathy and largest power on the part of Jesus; as if each day also brought fresh surprise, new gladness; opened hitherto unthought-of possibilities, and pointed Israel far beyond the horizon of their narrow expectancy. Yesterday …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Cæsarius of Arles.
He was born in the district of Chalons-sur-Saone, A. D. 470. He seems to have been early awakened, by a pious education, to vital Christianity. When he was between seven and eight years old, it would often happen that he would give a portion of his clothes to the poor whom he met, and would say, when he came home, that he had been, constrained to do so. When yet a youth, he entered the celebrated convent on the island of Lerins, (Lerina,) in Provence, from which a spirit of deep and practical piety …
Augustus Neander—Light in the Dark Places

Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for Churches.
Text: Philippians 1, 3-11. 3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

An Exhortation to Peace and Unity
[ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR] This treatise was first published in 1688, after Bunyan's death, at the end of the second edition of the Barren Fig Tree, with a black border round the title. It was continued in the third edition 1692, but was subsequently omitted, although the Barren Fig Tree was printed for the same publisher. It has been printed in every edition of Bunyan's Works. Respect for the judgment of others leads me to allow it a place in the first complete edition, although I have serious …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Nature of Justification
Justification in the active sense (iustificatio, {GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER KAPPA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH OXIA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER OMEGA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA}{GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA}) is defined by the Tridentine Council as "a translation from that state wherein man is born a child of the first Adam, to the state of grace and of the adoption of the sons of God through the second Adam, …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Concerning Justification.
Concerning Justification. As many as resist not this light, but receive the same, it becomes in them an holy, pure, and spiritual birth, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, purity, and all those other blessed fruits which are acceptable to God: by which holy birth, to wit, Jesus Christ formed within us, and working his works in us, as we are sanctified, so are we justified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words; But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in …
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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