Psalm 26

The Prayer of a Good Man^q

26 Declare me innocent, O Lord,

because I do what is right

and trust you completely.

²Examine me and test me, Lord;

judge my desires and thoughts.

³Your constant love is my guide;

your faithfulness always leads me.^r

⁴I do not keep company with worthless people;

I have nothing to do with hypocrites.

⁵I hate the company of the evil

and avoid the wicked.

⁶Lord, I wash my hands to show that I am innocent

and march in worship round your altar.

⁷I sing a hymn of thanksgiving

and tell of all your wonderful deeds.

⁸I love the house where you live, O Lord,

the place where your glory dwells.

⁹Do not destroy me with the sinners;

spare me from the fate of murderers-

¹⁰those who do evil all the time

and are always ready to take bribes.

¹¹As for me, I do what is right;

be merciful to me and save me!

¹²I am safe from all dangers;

in the assembly of his people I praise the Lord.