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.

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.