Psalms 26

1 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 I will make my hands clean from sin; so will I go round 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 That I may give out the voice of praise, and make public all the wonders which you have done.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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