Psalms 26

1 Of David. O Lord, be my judge, for my behaviour has been upright: I have put my faith in the Lord, I am not in danger of slipping.

A psalm of David. Defend me, O Lord, for my walk has been blameless; in the Lord have I trusted unswervingly:

2 Put me in the scales, O Lord, so that I may be tested; let the fire make clean my thoughts and my heart.

Examine me, Lord, and test me; test my heart and my mind.

3 For your mercy is before my eyes; and I have gone in the way of your good faith.

For your love is before my eyes, and your faithfulness governs my way.

4 I have not taken my seat with foolish persons, and I do not go with false men.

I never sat down with the worthless, nor companied with dissemblers.

5 I have been a hater of the band of wrongdoers, and I will not be seated among sinners.

I hate the assembly of knaves, I would never sit down with the wicked;

6 I will make my hands clean from sin; so will I go round your altar, O Lord;

but, with hands washed in innocence, I would march round your altar, O Lord,

7 That I may give out the voice of praise, and make public all the wonders which you have done.

singing loud songs of thanks, and telling of all your wonders.

8 Lord, your house has been dear to me, and the resting-place of your glory.

O Lord, I love your house, the place where your glory lives.

9 Let not my soul be numbered among sinners, or my life among men of blood;

Do not gather me up with sinners; slay me not with people of blood,

10 In whose hands are evil designs, and whose right hands take money for judging falsely.

whose hands are stained with villainy, and whose right hand is filled with bribes.

11 But as for me, I will go on in my upright ways: be my saviour, and have mercy on me.

But my walk is blameless! O redeem me, be gracious to me.

12 I have a safe resting-place for my feet; I will give praise to the Lord in the meetings of the people.

My foot stands on even ground, in the choirs I will bless the Lord.