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.

JUDGE me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.

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, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

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

For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.

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

I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

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

I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.

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

I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:

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

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

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

Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.

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

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

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

In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.

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

But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto 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 standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.