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The Prayer of an Innocent Believer

Of David.

26 Lord, ·defend [vindicate] me because I have ·lived an innocent life [L walked in innocence; Job 1:1].
    I have ·trusted [confidence in] the Lord and never ·doubted [wavered; faltered].
Lord, try me and test me;
    look closely into my ·heart and mind [L kidneys and heart; C the seat of emotions and mind in Hebrew thought].
·I see your love [L Your loyalty/covenant love is before my eyes],
    and I ·live by your truth [walk in your truth/faithfulness].
I do not ·spend time [L sit] with ·liars [or worthless people],
    nor do I ·make friends [L go] with ·those who hide their sin [hypocrites].
I hate the ·company [assembly] of evil people,
    and I won’t sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands ·to show I am innocent [L in innocence],
    and I ·come to [L go around] your altar, Lord.
I raise my voice in ·praise [or thanks]
    and tell of all the ·miracles [wonderful things] you have done.
Lord, I love the ·Temple [L house] where you live,
    where your glory [C manifest presence] ·is [dwells].
Do not ·kill me [take me away] with those sinners
    or take my life with ·those murderers [the bloodthirsty; L men of blood].
10 ·Evil is [Schemes are] in their hands,
    and ·they do wrong for money [L their right hand is full of bribes].
11 But I have ·lived an innocent life [L walked in innocence; v. 1],
    so ·save [redeem; ransom] me and have mercy on me.
12 ·I stand in a safe place [L My feet stand on level ground].
    Lord, I ·praise [bless] you in the great ·meeting [assembly].

Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection.

A Psalm of David.

26 Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity;
I have [relied on and] trusted [confidently] in the Lord without wavering and I shall not slip.

Examine me, O Lord, and try me;
Test my heart and my mind.

For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
And I have walked [faithfully] in Your truth.

I do not sit with deceitful or unethical or worthless men,
Nor seek companionship with pretenders (self-righteous hypocrites).

I hate the company of evildoers,
And will not sit with the wicked.

I will wash my hands in innocence,
And I will go about Your altar, O Lord,

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
And declare all Your wonders.


O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house
And the place where Your glory dwells.

Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
Nor [sweep away] my life with men of bloodshed,
10 
In whose hands is a wicked scheme,
And whose right hand is full of bribes.
11 
But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity;
Redeem me and be merciful and gracious to me.
12 
My foot stands on a level place;
In the congregations I will bless the Lord.

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.