Psalms 26

1 Unto the end, a psalm for David. Judge me, O Lord, for I have walked in my innocence: and I have put my trust in the Lord, and shall not be weakened.

A psalm of David. Confirm that I'm innocent, Lord, for I have acted with integrity, and I have trusted in the Lord without fail.

2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; burn my reins and my heart.

Examine me, Lord, test me; investigate my thoughts and intentions.

3 For thy mercy is before my eyes; and I am well pleased with thy truth.

For I always remember your trustworthy love, and I follow your truth.

4 I have not sat with the council of vanity: neither will I go in with the doers of unjust things.

I don't join in with liars and I don't associate with hypocrites.

5 I have hated the assembly of the malignant; and with the wicked I will not sit.

I refuse to get together with those who do evil, and I won't involve myself with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands among the innocent; and will compass thy altar, O Lord:

I wash my hands to show my innocence. I come to worship at your altar, Lord,

7 That I may hear the voice of thy praise: and tell of all thy wondrous works.

singing my thanks, telling of all the wonderful things you have done.

8 I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house; and the place where thy glory dwelleth.

Lord, I love your house, the place where you live in your glory.

9 Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked: nor my life with bloody men:

Please don't sweep me away along with sinners. Don't include me with those who commit murder,

10 In whose hands are iniquities: their right hand is filled with gifts.

whose hands carry out their evil schemes and grab hold of bribes.

11 But as for me, I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy on me.

For I don't do that—I act with integrity. Save me and be gracious to me!

12 My foot hath stood in the direct way: in the churches I will bless thee, O Lord.

I stand for what's right, and I will praise the Lord when we meet together to worship him.