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The spirit of lawlessness, which sought a remedy for real or imaginary ills by striking at princes, was not a strange thing in the times of Solomon. The simple negative in Scripture is often stronger and more significant than the first blush of the expression suggests. It is "not good" to strike princes for equity means that it is absolutely bad. It is "not good" morally, for it is a heinous crime; it is "not good" socially, for it fosters a spirit of restlessness and insecurity; it is "not good" politically, for it fails to establish the peace and prosperity of a nation; it is "not good" spiritually, for in the eyes of the Eternal Judge it is an odious sin. Morally, socially, politically, and spiritually it is a gigantic error, a colossal folly, an abominable iniquity, to strike at princes. The expression is capable of three interpretations.

1. It may mean a dogged defiance of their authority — a fixed determination not to obey their laws.

2. It may mean an effort to supplant a prince, a secret or overt attempt to alienate the affections and confidence of the subjects, and transfer the same to another person; a concerted method for placing in the post of honour a rival candidate for popular favour.

3. It may mean assassination, a cruel and cowardly attempt on the life of the sovereign, an execrable conspiracy to hurry into the unseen world the occupant of the national throne. This is a most diabolical and detestable way of attempting to settle real or imaginary grievances; a sin which is sternly condemned by God, and denounced by all right-thinking men.

(J. Hiles Hitchens, D. D.)

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

WEB: Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.