Psalms 26

1 [A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; [therefore] I shall not slide.

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.

2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.

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

12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.

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