Psalms 26

1 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.

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 Examine me, Lord, and test me: enkindle my temperament and my heart.

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 mercy is before my eyes, and I am serene in your truth.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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