Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 107:17

"Fools because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, are afflicted." — Psalms 107:17 (ASV)

Fools – that is, infatuated in wickedness. (Compare the noun foolishness in Psalms 38:5 with the same ethical sense; and compare Job 5:3 and the frequent connection of folly with sin in the book of Proverbs.) Another Hebrew word is used in the same way (Psalms 14:1).

Because of their transgressions. – Better, more literally, because of way of transgression, or, their course of sin, indicating a settled habit.

Are afflicted ... – Properly, brought (or bring) affliction on themselves. Septuagint and Vulgate, were humbled; and some understand afflict themselves – that is, grieve for their sins. This would explain the distaste for food in the next verse equally well as actual sickness. But the analogy of the other stanzas is not in favour of indicating repentance before the emphatic then they cry, etc.