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.

A psalm of David.

26 Lord, when you hand down your sentence, let it be in my favor.
    I have lived without blame.
I have trusted in the Lord.
    I have never doubted him.
Lord, test me. Try me out.
    Look deep down into my heart and mind.
I have always remembered your love that never fails.
    I have always depended on the fact that you are faithful.
I don’t spend time with people who tell lies.
    I don’t keep company with pretenders.
I hate to be with a group of sinful people.
    I refuse to spend time with those who are evil.
I wash my hands to show that I’m not guilty.
    Lord, I come near your altar.
I shout my praise to you.
    I tell about all the wonderful things you have done.
Lord, I love the house where you live.
    I love the place where your glory is.

Don’t destroy me together with sinners.
    Don’t take away my life along with murderers.
10 Their hands are always planning to do evil.
    Their right hands are full of money that has bought their help.
11 But I live without blame.
    Save me from harm and treat me with kindness.

12 My feet stand on level ground.
    In the whole community I will praise the Lord.