Proverbs 17:26 (BSB)

It is surely not good to punish the innocent or to flog a noble for his honesty.

From Proverbs 17. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 17:26

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 17:26: In differences that happen between magistrates and subjects, and such differences often arise, 1. Let magistrates see to it that they never punish the just, that they be in no case a terror to good works, for that is to abuse their power and betray that great trust which is reposed in them.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 17:26: Also to punish the just is not good,.... It is evil, and an abomination to the Lord, Pro 17:15. Evildoers indeed should be punished; but to punish the righteous also, as well as them, is far from being commendable; nor to strike princes for equity: to strike princes, judges, civil magistrates, for doing the duty of their place and office, for doing that which is...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 17:26: Also--that is, Equally to be avoided are other sins: punishing good subjects, or resisting good rulers.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 17:26: Also to punish the just [is] not good, [nor] to strike princes for equity. (n) For their well doing.