I Will Bless the Lord

Of David.

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

I do not (I)sit with men of (J)falsehood,
    nor do I consort with hypocrites.
I (K)hate the assembly of evildoers,
    and I will not sit with the wicked.

I (L)wash my hands in innocence
    and go around your altar, O Lord,
proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
    and telling all your (M)wondrous deeds.

O Lord, I (N)love the habitation of your house
    and the place where your glory dwells.
(O)Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
    nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 in whose hands are evil devices,
    and whose right hands are full of (P)bribes.

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

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 26:2 Hebrew test my kidneys and my heart

Davidic

A Man of Integrity Pleads for Justice

26 Vindicate me, Lord,
    because I have walked in integrity;
        I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Examine me, Lord, and inspect me!
    Test my heart and mind.[a]
For your gracious love precedes me,
    and I continuously walk according to your truth.

I do not sit with those committed to what is false,
    nor do I travel with hypocrites.
I hate the company of those who practice evil,
    nor do I sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands innocently.
    I go around your altar, Lord,
so I may praise you loudly with thanksgiving
    and declare all your wondrous acts.

Lord, I love the dwelling place that is your house,
    the place where your glory resides.
Do not group me[b] with sinners,
    nor include me[c] with men who shed blood.
10 Their hands are filled with wicked schemes,
    and their right hands with bribes.

11 But as for me,
    I walk in my integrity.
        Redeem me and be gracious to me!
12 My feet stand on level ground;
    among the worshiping congregations
        I will bless the Lord.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 26:2 Lit. kidneys; i.e. the center of emotions
  2. Psalm 26:9 Lit. my soul
  3. Psalm 26:9 The Heb. lacks include me