Proverbs 17:26 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Also to punish the just, &c.— It is not right to oppress the just; not even when the prince hath declined from equity: Houbigant; who observes, that Solomon means to say, "It is dangerous to oppress the just, even when unjust princes favour oppressors." See Chap. Proverbs 18:5. Schultens renders it, Also to punish the just is not good; it is to strike the ingenuous for their equity. According to the common interpretation, Solomon condemns here the temerity of those who do injury to the just, and who attack the prince, the magistrate, the judge, because they are too exact and equitable in the exercise of justice.