Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection.

A Psalm of David.

26 [a](A)Vindicate me, Lord, for I have (B)walked in my integrity,
And I have (C)trusted in the Lord [b](D)without wavering.
(E)Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test;
(F)Refine my [c]mind and my heart.
For Your [d](G)goodness is before my eyes,
And I have (H)walked in Your truth.
I do not (I)sit with [e]deceitful people,
Nor will I go with [f](J)pretenders.
I (K)hate the assembly of evildoers,
And I will not sit with the wicked.
I will (L)wash my hands in innocence,
And I will go around (M)Your altar, Lord,
That I may proclaim with the voice of (N)thanksgiving
And declare all Your [g]wonders.

Lord, I (O)love the dwelling of Your house,
And the place [h]where Your (P)glory remains.
(Q)Do not [i]take my soul away along with sinners,
Nor my life with (R)men of bloodshed,
10 In whose hands is a (S)wicked scheme,
And whose right hand is full of (T)bribes.
11 But as for me, I will (U)walk in my integrity;
(V)Redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 (W)My foot stands on (X)level ground;
In the (Y)congregations I will bless the Lord.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 26:1 Lit Judge
  2. Psalm 26:1 Lit I do not slide
  3. Psalm 26:2 Lit kidneys, figurative for inner man
  4. Psalm 26:3 Or faithfulness
  5. Psalm 26:4 Or worthless men; lit men of falsehood
  6. Psalm 26:4 Or dissemblers, hypocrites
  7. Psalm 26:7 Or miracles
  8. Psalm 26:8 Lit of the tabernacle of Your glory
  9. Psalm 26:9 Lit gather

The Prayer of an Innocent Man

Of David.

26 Lord, defend me.
    I have lived an innocent life.
I trusted the Lord and never doubted.
Lord, try me and test me.
    Look closely into my heart and mind.
I see your love.
    I live by your truth.
I do not spend time with liars.
    I do not make friends with people who hide their sin.
I hate the company of evil people.
    I won’t sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands to show I am innocent.
    I come to your altar, Lord.
I raise my voice in praise.
    I tell of all the miracles you have done.
Lord, I love the Temple where you live.
    It is where your greatness is.
Do not kill me with those sinners.
    Do not take my life with those murderers.
10 Evil is in their hands.
    They do wrong for money.
11 But I have lived an innocent life.
    So save me and be kind to me.
12 I stand in a safe place.
    Lord, I praise you in the great meeting.