Proverbs 17:26 Also to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. Treason and rebellion are such horrid and loathsome crimes that if they should appear in their native visage and genuine deformity they could never form a party nor allure men to divorce their allegiance. They always, therefore, insinuate into the affections of the unwary or easily deceived multitude under the specious pretences of piety and purity. Some render the second clause of this verse "princes striking for equity" instead of "striking princes for equity." But this cannot be the true sense in this place. It is against the natural order of the words. The proverb has a double aspect; the one respects princes, forbidding them to punish their righteous subjects; the other respects the people, forbidding them to rebel against their princes for equity's sake. Dealing with this second part, consider — I. THE DOOM AND CENSURE. "It is not good." It speaks only dislike, but means detestation. It implies that it is a crime most impious in itself, and most odious and abominable to God. II. THE ACTION CONDEMNED. "To strike princes." 1. We must not strike princes with the tongue, in their fame and reputation. 2. We must not strike princes in their authority, nor the exercise of it over us. This may be done by refusing to be subject to their laws, or by deposing them from their dominion. 3. It is sacrilege to strike them in their persons, and to offer violence to their liberty or life. III. THE CAUSE, MOTIVE, OR PROVOCATION TO THIS ABOMINABLE ACTION. That is equity. Either the prince's equity or the subject's equity. To strike for either is here censured as a heinous crime. 1. It may he understood of resisting and rebelling against them for their own equity and the execution of that justice which is committed to them. 2. It may be understood of striking them for their subject's equity. That is, it is a great injustice to strike princes upon any pretences of equity and justice in so doing. Never yet was there any insurrection against the lawful magistrate but what was prefaced with glorious pretences, the honour of God, the liberty of the subject, a due freedom for tender consciences, etc. These are all excellent things, and we can never too much prosecute them while we do it in a lawful and allowed manner. But a good purpose can never justify a wicked action, and God abhors that our sins should be made the means of His glory. (E. Hopkins, D. D.) Parallel Verses 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. |
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