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 (G)[d]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

Psalm 26

Plea for Justice and Declaration of Righteousness

Of David.

Vindicate me, O Lord,
    for I have walked in my integrity,
    and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.(A)
Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
    test my heart and mind.(B)
For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in faithfulness to you.[a](C)

I do not sit with the worthless,
    nor do I consort with hypocrites;(D)
I hate the company of evildoers
    and will not sit with the wicked.(E)

I wash my hands in innocence
    and go around your altar, O Lord,(F)
singing aloud a song of thanksgiving
    and telling all your wondrous deeds.(G)

O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
    and the place where your glory abides.(H)
Do not sweep me away with sinners
    nor my life with the bloodthirsty,(I)
10 those in whose hands are evil devices
    and whose right hands are full of bribes.(J)

11 But as for me, I walk in my integrity;
    redeem me and be gracious to me.(K)
12 My foot stands on level ground;
    in the great congregation I will bless the Lord.(L)

Footnotes

  1. 26.3 Or in your faithfulness