26 If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,

surely to flog honest officials is not right.

26 Also to punish the just is not good,

Nor to strike princes for equity.

26 It is wrong to punish the godly for being good

or to flog leaders for being honest.

26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good,

Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.

26 It is not good to punish the innocent

or to beat leaders for being honest.

26 Also to punish the righteous is not good,

Nor to smite the noble for their uprightness.

26 To punish a righteous man is not good, nor to strike nobles because of their uprightness.

26 To punish an innocent person is not good. 

To strike down noble people is not right. 

26 It is certainly not good to fine an innocent person

or to beat a noble for his honesty.

26 To impose a fine on the innocent is not right,

or to flog the noble for their integrity.

26 Also, imposing a fine on the righteous is not good,

nor to flog nobles for uprightness.

26 It isn’t good to punish those who aren’t guilty.

It isn’t good to whip officials just because they are honest.

26 It is also not good to fine the righteous,

Nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.