Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 17:26

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

This particle seems to have relation to the next foregoing Proverb to imply that it is a very evil thing for Children to cause grief to their Parents, as it is also to do what here follows.

For Parents, or Princes, or Rulers, to whom alone this power belongs, to punish innocent and good men.

is highly evil and abominable, as is implied. See above, v. 20. and Prov. 16. 29. & 17. 10. &c.

Nor to smite Magistrates, either with the Hand or Tongue, for the execution of Justice, as condemned persons are apt to do. Or, as some learned Interpreters render it, Nor for Princes to strike any man for equity▪ or for doing his duty, or what is just. So this clause best agrees with the former. Besides it belongs to Princes or Magistrates to punish or strike.

Marginal references: Heb. to mulct or fine.