Psalm 26

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.
2 Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test;
Refine my [c]mind and my heart.
3 For Your [d]goodness is before my eyes,
And I have walked in Your truth.
4 I do not sit with [e]deceitful people,
Nor will I go with [f]pretenders.
5 I hate the assembly of evildoers,
And I will not sit with the wicked.
6 I will wash my hands in innocence,
And I will go around Your altar, Lord,
7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
And declare all Your [g]wonders.

8 Lord, I love the dwelling of Your house,
And the place [h]where Your glory remains.
9 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