26 Establish justice for me, Lord,
    because I have walked with integrity.
    I’ve trusted the Lord without wavering.
² Examine me, Lord; put me to the test!
    Purify^[a] my mind^[b] and my heart.
³ Because your faithful love is right in front of me—
    I walk in your truth!
⁴ I don’t spend time with people up to no good;
    I don’t keep company with liars.
⁵ I detest the company of evildoers,
    and I don’t sit with wicked people.
⁶ I wash my hands—they are innocent!
    I walk all around your altar, Lord,
⁷         proclaiming out loud my thanks,
        declaring all your wonderful deeds!
⁸ I love the beauty^[c] of your house, Lord;
    I love the place where your glory resides.

28 I cry out to you, Lord.
    You are my rock; don’t refuse to hear me.
    If you won’t talk to me,
        I’ll be just like those going down to the pit.
² Listen to my request for mercy when I cry out to you,
    when I lift up my hands to your holy inner sanctuary.
³ Don’t drag me off with the wicked and those who do evil;
    the type who talk nice to their friends
    while evil thoughts are in their hearts!
⁴ Pay them back for what they’ve done!
    Pay them back for their evil deeds!
    Pay them back for their handiwork!
    Give back to them exactly what they deserve!
⁵ Because they have no regard for what the Lord has done,
    no regard for his handiwork,
    God will tear them down and never rebuild!