Psalm

Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection.

A Psalm of David.

26 
[a]Vindicate me, Lord, for I have walked in my integrity,

And I have trusted in the Lord [b]without wavering.

Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test;

Refine my [c]mind and my heart.

For Your [d]goodness is before my eyes,

And I have walked in Your truth.

I do not sit with [e]deceitful people,

Nor will I go with [f]pretenders.

I hate the assembly of evildoers,

And I will not sit with the wicked.

I will wash my hands in innocence,

And I will go around Your altar, Lord,

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving

And declare all Your [g]wonders.

Lord, I love the dwelling of Your house,

And the place [h]where Your glory remains.

Do not [i]take my soul away along with sinners,

Nor my life with men of bloodshed,

10 In whose hands is a wicked scheme,

And whose right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity;

Redeem me, and be gracious to me.

12 My foot stands on level ground;

In the congregations I will bless the Lord.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 26:1 Lit Judge
  2. Psalm 26:1 Lit I do not slide
  3. Psalm 26:2 Lit kidneys, figurative for inner man
  4. Psalm 26:3 Or faithfulness
  5. Psalm 26:4 Or worthless men; lit men of falsehood
  6. Psalm 26:4 Or dissemblers, hypocrites
  7. Psalm 26:7 Or miracles
  8. Psalm 26:8 Lit of the tabernacle of Your glory
  9. Psalm 26:9 Lit gather