Psalms 26

1 [A Psalm] of David. Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in my innocence: and hoping in the Lord I shall not be moved.

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 Prove me, O Lord, and try me; purify as with fire 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 your mercy is before mine eyes: and I am well pleased with your 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 the council of vanity, and will in nowise enter in with transgressors.

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

5 I have hated the assembly of wicked doers; and will not sit with ungodly [men].

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

6 I will wash my hands in innocency, and compass your altar, O Lord:

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

7 to hear the voice of praise, and to declare all your wonderful works.

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

8 O Lord, I have loved the beauty of your house, and the place of the tabernacle of your glory.

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

9 Destroy not my soul together with the ungodly, 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 [are] iniquities, [and] their right hand is filled with bribes.

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

11 But I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy upon me.

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

12 My foot stands in an even place: in the congregations will I bless you, O Lord.

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