Psalms 26

1 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.

“Of David.” Judge me, O Lord; for I have indeed walked in my integrity: and in the Lord have I trusted; I shall not slip.

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

Try me, O Lord, and prove me; purify my reins and my heart.

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

For thy kindness is before my eyes; and I have walked in thy truth.

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

I have not sat with men of falsehood, and with dissemblers will I not enter [in communion].

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

I have hated the assemblage of evil-doers; and with the wicked will I not sit.

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

I will wash in innocency my hands, and I will compass thy altar, O Lord:

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

That I may publish with a loud voice [my] thanksgiving, and relate all thy wondrous deeds.

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

Lord, I love the site of thy house, and the place where thy glory dwelleth.

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

Take not away with sinners my soul, nor with men of blood my life;

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

In whose hands are wicked devices, and whose right hand is full of bribes.

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

But as for me, I will walk in my integrity: redeem me, and be gracious unto me.

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

My foot standeth on an even place: in assemblies will I bless the Lord.