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(By David.)

The Prayer of an Innocent Person

Show that I am right, Lord!
    I stay true to myself,
and I have trusted you
    without doubting.
Test my thoughts and find out
    what I am like.
I never forget your kindness,
and I am always faithful
    to you.[a]
I don't spend my time
with worthless liars
    or go with evil crowds.

I wash my hands, Lord,
    to show my innocence,
and I worship at your altar,
while gratefully singing
    about your wonders.
I love the temple
where you live, and where
    your glory shines.
Don't sweep me away,
    as you do sinners.
Don't punish me with death
as you do those people
    who are brutal
10     or full of meanness
    or who bribe others.
11 I stay true to myself.
    Be kind and rescue me.

12 Now I stand on solid ground!
And when your people meet,
    I will praise you, Lord.

Footnotes

  1. 26.3 I am … to you: Or “I trust your faithfulness.”

Psalm 26

Of David.

Vindicate me,(A) Lord,
    for I have led a blameless life;(B)
I have trusted(C) in the Lord
    and have not faltered.(D)
Test me,(E) Lord, and try me,
    examine my heart and my mind;(F)
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love(G)
    and have lived(H) in reliance on your faithfulness.(I)

I do not sit(J) with the deceitful,
    nor do I associate with hypocrites.(K)
I abhor(L) the assembly of evildoers
    and refuse to sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence,(M)
    and go about your altar, Lord,
proclaiming aloud your praise(N)
    and telling of all your wonderful deeds.(O)

Lord, I love(P) the house where you live,
    the place where your glory dwells.(Q)
Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
    my life with those who are bloodthirsty,(R)
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,(S)
    whose right hands are full of bribes.(T)
11 I lead a blameless life;
    deliver me(U) and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground;(V)
    in the great congregation(W) I will praise the Lord.

26 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

10 In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.