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 LORD; for I have walked in my integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.

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

Examine me, O LORD, 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 lovingkindness is before my 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 will I go in with hypocrites.

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

I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not 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 will wash my hands in innocency: so will I go about thy altar, O LORD:

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

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

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

LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thy honour 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 bloody men:

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

In whose hands is mischief, 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 my 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 foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.