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.

[By David.] Judge me, LORD, for I have walked in my integrity. I have trusted also in LORD without wavering.

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

Examine me, LORD, and prove me. Try my heart and my mind.

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

For your loving kindness is before my eyes. I have walked in your truth.

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

I have not sat with deceitful men, neither will I go in with hypocrites.

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

I hate the assembly of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked.

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

I will wash my hands in innocence, so I will go about your altar, LORD;

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

that I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all your wondrous works.

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

LORD, I love the habitation of your house, the place where your glory dwells.

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

Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men;

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

in whose hands is wickedness, their 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 merciful to me.

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

My foot stands in an even place. In the congregations I will bless the LORD.