GOD PROTECTS THE INNOCENT

GOD PROTECTS THE INNOCENT Proverbs 17:26: > “It is not good to punish the innocent, nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.” (ESV) This proverb teaches that justice must protect the innocent and honor those who are righteous, not harm them. Now, here are biblical references and examples that support this: 1. Protecting the Innocent Exodus 23:7 > "Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent and righteous, for I will not acquit the wicked." God commands His people to avoid false accusations and harming innocent people. Deuteronomy 27:25 > "Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood." God places a curse on those who pervert justice for their own gain. Example: Jesus before Pilate (Luke 23:4, 14-15) > Pilate said: "I find no fault in this man." Even though Jesus was innocent, He was still condemned because of political pressure, fulfilling the injustice Proverbs warns against. 2. Honoring the Upright Isaiah 5:20-23 > "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil... who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!" God condemns leaders who fail to honor the righteous and instead reward evil. 1 Peter 2:19-20 > "For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God." God sees and honors those who suffer for doing good. Example: Daniel in the Lion’s Den (Daniel 6) Daniel was punished even though he was faithful and righteous. God protected him and later honored him by rescuing him and exalting him before the king. 3. God’s Justice Standard Micah 6:8 > "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Justice involves protecting the innocent and promoting uprightness. Zechariah 7:9-10 > "Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother." Summary: Proverbs 17:26 reflects God’s heart for true justice — that the innocent must be protected, and the upright honored, not punished. Throughout the Bible, God shows strong disapproval when people oppress the innocent and afflict the righteous.