Psalm 26

New International Reader's Version

A psalm of David.

26 Lord, when you hand down your sentence, let it be in my favor.
    I have lived without blame.
I have trusted in the Lord.
    I have never doubted him.
²Lord, test me. Try me out.
    Look deep down into my heart and mind.
³I have always remembered your love that never fails.
    I have always depended on the fact that you are faithful.
⁴I don’t spend time with people who tell lies.
    I don’t keep company with pretenders.
⁵I hate to be with a group of sinful people.
    I refuse to spend time with those who are evil.
⁶I wash my hands to show that I’m not guilty.
    Lord, I come near your altar.
⁷I shout my praise to you.
    I tell about all the wonderful things you have done.
⁸Lord, I love the house where you live.
    I love the place where your glory is.

⁹Don’t destroy me together with sinners.
    Don’t take away my life along with murderers.
¹⁰Their hands are always planning to do evil.
    Their right hands are full of money that has bought their help.
¹¹But I live without blame.
    Save me from harm and treat me with kindness.

¹²My feet stand on level ground.
In the whole community I will praise the Lord.