Psalms 26

1 Yahweh, show that I (am innocent/have not done what is wrong). I always do what is right; I have trusted in you and never doubted [that you would help me].

Of David. Vindicate me, O LORD! For I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

2 Yahweh, examine what I have done and test me; thoroughly evaluate what I think [IDM].

Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.

3 I never forget that you faithfully love me, I conduct my life according to your truth.

For Your loving devotion is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.

4 I do not spend my time with liars and I stay away from hypocrites.

I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites.

5 I do not like to be with evil people, and I avoid wicked people.

I hate the mob of evildoers, and refuse to sit with the wicked.

6 Yahweh, I wash my hands to show that I (am innocent/have not done what was wrong). As I join with others marching around your altar,

I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,

7 we sing songs to thank you, and we tell others the wonderful things that you [have done].

to raise my voice in thanksgiving and declare all Your wonderful works.

8 Yahweh, I love [to be in] the temple where you live, in the place where your glory appears.

O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory resides.

9 Do not get rid of me like you get rid of sinners; do not cause me to die like you cause those who murder [MTY] people to die,

Do not take my soul away with sinners, or my life with men of bloodshed,

10 and people who [SYN] are ready to do wicked things and people who are always taking bribes.

in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I always try to do what is right. So be kind to me and rescue me.

But I will walk with integrity; redeem me and be merciful to me.

12 I stand in places where I am safe, and when [all your people] gather together, I praise you.

My feet stand on level ground; in the congregations I will bless the LORD.