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.

“A psalm of David.” Be thou my judge, O LORD! for I have walked in uprightness. I have put my trust in the LORD, therefore shall I not fall.

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

Examine me, O LORD! and prove me; Try my reins and my heart!

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

For thy kindness is ever before my eyes, And I walk in thy truth.

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

I sit not with men of falsehood. And go not in company with dissemblers.

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 evil-doers, And do not sit with the wicked.

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

I wash my hands in innocence. And go around thine altar. O LORD!

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

To utter the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all thy wondrous works.

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

O LORD! I love the habitation of thy house, The place where thine honor dwelleth!

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

Gather not my breath with sinners, Nor my life with men of blood,

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

In whose hands is mischief, And whose right hands are 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 walk in my integrity; Oh, 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 feet tread in a straight path; In the congregation will I bless the LORD.