Psalms 26

1 Of David. Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

Of David. O Lord, be my judge, for my behaviour has been upright: I have put my faith in the Lord, I am not in danger of slipping.

2 Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.

Put me in the scales, O Lord, so that I may be tested; let the fire make clean my thoughts and my heart.

3 For Your loving devotion is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.

For your mercy is before my eyes; and I have gone in the way of your good faith.

4 I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites.

I have not taken my seat with foolish persons, and I do not go with false men.

5 I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked.

I have been a hater of the band of wrongdoers, and I will not be seated among sinners.

6 I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,

I will make my hands clean from sin; so will I go round your altar, O Lord;

7 to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works.

That I may give out the voice of praise, and make public all the wonders which you have done.

8 O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory resides.

Lord, your house has been dear to me, and the resting-place of your glory.

9 Do not take my soul away with sinners, or my life with men of bloodshed,

Let not my soul be numbered among sinners, or my life among men of blood;

10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

In whose hands are evil designs, and whose right hands take money for judging falsely.

11 But I will walk with integrity; redeem me and be merciful to me.

But as for me, I will go on in my upright ways: be my saviour, and have mercy on me.

12 My feet stand on level ground; in the congregations I will bless the LORD.

I have a safe resting-place for my feet; I will give praise to the Lord in the meetings of the people.