Psalms 26

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

Unto the end. A Psalm of David. Judge me, Lord, for I have been walking in my innocence, and by hoping in the Lord, I will not be weakened.

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

Examine me, Lord, and test me: enkindle my temperament 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 am serene in your truth.

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

I have not sat with the council of emptiness, and I will not enter with those who carry out injustice.

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

I have hated the assembly of the malicious; and I will not sit with the impious.

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

I will wash my hands among the innocent, and I will surround your altar, O Lord,

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

so that I may hear the voice of your praise and describe all your wonders.

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

O Lord, I have loved the beauty of your house and the dwelling place of your glory.

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

O God, do not let my soul perish with the impious, nor my life with the men of blood,

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

in whose hands are iniquities: their right hand has been filled by bribes.

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

But as for me, I have been walking in my innocence. Redeem me, and have mercy on me.

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

My foot has stood firm in the straight path. In the churches, I will bless you, O Lord.