Psalms 26

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

Yahweh, show that I (am innocent/have not done what is wrong). I always do what is right; I have trusted in you and never doubted [that you would help me].

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

Yahweh, examine what I have done and test me; thoroughly evaluate what I think [IDM].

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

I never forget that you faithfully love me, I conduct my life according to your truth.

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

I do not spend my time with liars and I stay away from hypocrites.

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

I do not like to be with evil people, and I avoid wicked people.

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

Yahweh, I wash my hands to show that I (am innocent/have not done what was wrong). As I join with others marching around your altar,

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

we sing songs to thank you, and we tell others the wonderful things that you [have done].

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

Yahweh, I love [to be in] the temple where you live, in the place where your glory appears.

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

Do not get rid of me like you get rid of sinners; do not cause me to die like you cause those who murder [MTY] people to die,

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

and people who [SYN] are ready to do wicked things and people who are always taking bribes.

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

But as for me, I always try to do what is right. So be kind to me and rescue me.

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

I stand in places where I am safe, and when [all your people] gather together, I praise you.