Psalms 26
Protestation of Integrity and Prayer for Protection.
1Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity;
I have [relied on and] trusted [confidently] in the Lord without wavering and I shall not slip.
2Examine me, O Lord, and try me;
Test my heart and my mind.
3For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
And I have walked [faithfully] in Your truth.
4I do not sit with deceitful or unethical or worthless men,
Nor seek companionship with pretenders (self-righteous hypocrites).
5I hate the company of evildoers,
And will not sit with the wicked.
6I will wash my hands in innocence,
And I will go about Your altar, O Lord,
7That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
And declare all Your wonders.
8O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house
And the place where Your glory dwells.
9Do not sweep my soul away with sinners,
Nor [sweep away] 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 shall walk in my integrity;
Redeem me and be merciful and gracious to me.
12My foot stands on a level place;
In the congregations I will bless the Lord.