Psalm 26

Prayer for Vindication

Of David.

Vindicate me, Lord,
because I have lived with integrity
and have trusted in the Lord without wavering.(A)
Test me, Lord, and try me;
examine my heart and mind.(B)
For your faithful love guides me,[a]
and I live by your truth.(C)

I do not sit with the worthless
or associate with hypocrites.
I hate a crowd of evildoers,
and I do not sit with the wicked.(D)
I wash my hands in innocence(E)
and go around your altar, Lord,(F)
raising my voice in thanksgiving(G)
and telling about your wondrous works.(H)

Lord, I love the house where you dwell,
the place where your glory resides.(I)
Do not destroy me along with sinners,
or my life along with men of bloodshed(J)
10 in whose hands are evil schemes
and whose right hands are filled with bribes.(K)

11 But I live with integrity;
redeem me and be gracious to me.(L)
12 My foot stands on level ground;(M)
I will bless the Lord in the assemblies.(N)

Footnotes

  1. 26:3 Lit love is in front of my eyes

Psalm 26

Of David.

26 Establish justice for me, Lord,
    because I have walked with integrity.
    I’ve trusted the Lord without wavering.
Examine me, Lord; put me to the test!
    Purify[a] my mind[b] and my heart.
Because your faithful love is right in front of me—
    I walk in your truth!
I don’t spend time with people up to no good;
    I don’t keep company with liars.
I detest the company of evildoers,
    and I don’t sit with wicked people.
I wash my hands—they are innocent!
    I walk all around your altar, Lord,
        proclaiming out loud my thanks,
        declaring all your wonderful deeds!
I love the beauty[c] of your house, Lord;
    I love the place where your glory resides.

Don’t gather me[d] up with the sinners,
    taking my life along with violent people
10     in whose hands are evil schemes,
    whose strong hands are full of bribes.
11 But me? I walk with integrity.
    Save me! Have mercy on me!

12 My feet now stand on level ground.
    I will bless the Lord in the great congregation.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 26:2 LXX or investigate
  2. Psalm 26:2 Or kidneys
  3. Psalm 26:8 LXX; MT the dwelling of your house
  4. Psalm 26:9 Or my soul