Psalm 26

Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection.

¹Vindicate me, Lord , for I have walked in my integrity,[#26:1 Lit Judge]

And I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

²Examine me, Lord , and put me to the test;

Refine my mind and my heart.

³For Your goodness is before my eyes,[#26:3 Or faithfulness]

And I have walked in Your truth.

⁴I do not sit with deceitful people,[#26:4 Or worthless men; lit men of falsehood]

Nor will I go with pretenders.

⁵I hate the assembly of evildoers,

And I will not sit with the wicked.

⁶I will wash my hands in innocence,

And I will go around Your altar, Lord ,

⁷That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving

And declare all Your wonders.

⁸¶Lord , I love the dwelling of Your house,

And the place where Your glory remains.

⁹Do not take my soul away along with sinners,[#26:9 Lit gather]

Nor my life with men of bloodshed,

¹⁰In whose hands is a wicked scheme,

And whose right hand is full of bribes.

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

Redeem me, and be gracious to me.

¹²My foot stands on level ground;

In the congregations I will bless the Lord .