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.

Psalm 26

Plea for Justice and Declaration of Righteousness

Of David.

Vindicate me, O Lord,
    for I have walked in my integrity,
    and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.(A)
Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
    test my heart and mind.(B)
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in faithfulness to you.[a](C)

I do not sit with the worthless,
    nor do I consort with hypocrites;(D)
I hate the company of evildoers
    and will not sit with the wicked.(E)

I wash my hands in innocence
    and go around your altar, O Lord,(F)
singing aloud a song of thanksgiving
    and telling all your wondrous deeds.(G)

O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
    and the place where your glory abides.(H)
Do not sweep me away with sinners
    nor my life with the bloodthirsty,(I)
10 those in whose hands are evil devices
    and whose right hands are full of bribes.(J)

11 But as for me, I walk in my integrity;
    redeem me and be gracious to me.(K)
12 My foot stands on level ground;
    in the great congregation I will bless the Lord.(L)

Footnotes

  1. 26.3 Or in your faithfulness

The Prayer of a Good Person[a]

26 Declare me innocent, O Lord,
    because I do what is right
    and trust you completely.
Examine me and test me, Lord;
    judge my desires and thoughts.
Your constant love is my guide;
    your faithfulness always leads me.[b]

I do not keep company with worthless people;
    I have nothing to do with hypocrites.
I hate the company of the evil
    and avoid the wicked.

Lord, I wash my hands to show that I am innocent
    and march in worship around your altar.
I sing a hymn of thanksgiving
    and tell of all your wonderful deeds.

I love the house where you live, O Lord,
    the place where your glory dwells.
Do not destroy me with the sinners;
    spare me from the fate of murderers—
10     those who do evil all the time
    and are always ready to take bribes.

11 As for me, I do what is right;
    be merciful to me and save me!

12 I am safe from all dangers;
    in the assembly of his people I praise the Lord.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 26:1 HEBREW TITLE: By David.
  2. Psalm 26:3 your faithfulness always leads me; or I live in loyalty to you.