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. Defend me, O Lord, for my walk has been blameless; in the Lord have I trusted unswervingly:

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

Examine me, Lord, and test me; test my heart and my mind.

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

For your love is before my eyes, and your faithfulness governs my way.

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

I never sat down with the worthless, nor companied 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 knaves, I would never sit down with the wicked;

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

but, with hands washed in innocence, I would march round your altar, O Lord,

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

singing loud songs of thanks, and telling of all your wonders.

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

O Lord, I love your house, the place where your glory lives.

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

Do not gather me up with sinners; slay me not with people of blood,

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

whose hands are stained with villainy, and whose right hand is filled with bribes.

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

But my walk is blameless! O redeem me, be gracious 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 on even ground, in the choirs I will bless the Lord.