Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 17:26

"Also to punish the righteous is not good, [Nor] to smite the noble for [their] uprightness." — Proverbs 17:26 (ASV)

Also—among other evil things. The subject of the perversion of justice is again taken up.

To punish—especially by fining.

To strike—that is, to scourge. (Compare to Deuteronomy 25:1-3.)

For equity—that is, when they have acted uprightly.