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].

[A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O Jehovah, for I have walked in mine integrity, and I have confided in Jehovah: I shall not slip.

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

Prove me, Jehovah, and test me; try my reins and my heart:

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

For thy loving-kindness is before mine eyes, and I have walked in thy truth.

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

I have not sat with vain persons, neither have I gone in with dissemblers;

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

I have hated the congregation of evil-doers, and I have not sat 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 will wash my hands in innocency, and will encompass thine altar, O Jehovah,

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

That I may cause the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and declare all thy marvellous works.

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

Jehovah, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thy glory dwelleth.

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,

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

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

In whose hands are evil devices, and their right hand is 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 as for me, I will walk in mine integrity. Redeem me, and be gracious unto me.

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

My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregations will I bless Jehovah.