Psalms 26

1 A psalm of David. Judge me, Yahweh, for I have walked with integrity; I have trusted in Yahweh without wavering.

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, Yahweh, and test me; test the purity of my inner parts 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 covenant faithfulness is before my eyes, and I walk about in your faithfulness.

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

4 I do not associate with deceitful people, nor do I mingle with dishonest people.

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

5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I do not live with the wicked.

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

6 I wash my hands in innocence, and I go around your altar, Yahweh,

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

7 to sing a loud song of praise and report all your wonderful deeds.

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

8 Yahweh, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory lives!

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

9 Do not sweep me away with sinners, or my life with people who are bloodthirsty,

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

10 in whose hands there is a plot, and whose 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 integrity; redeem me and have mercy on 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 on level ground; in the assemblies will I bless Yahweh!

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