Psalm 26

A Prayer for Vindication

26Of David.^a

¹Judge me, O Yahweh, because I have walked in my integrity,

and I have trusted Yahweh and not wavered.

²Prove me, O Yahweh, and test me.

Try my innermost being^b and my mind.^c

³Because your loyal love is before my eyes,

and I walk about in your faithfulness.

⁴I do not sit with deceitful people,

nor will I go about with hypocrites.

⁵I hate the crowd of evildoers,

and with the wicked I will not sit.

⁶I will wash my hands in innocence,

and I will walk about your altar, O Yahweh,

⁷to declare with a voice of thanksgiving,

and tell of all your wondrous deeds.

⁸O Yahweh, I love the dwelling of your house,^d

and the place where your glory abides.^e

⁹Do not destroy me^f with the sinners,

nor my life with men of bloodshed,

¹⁰in whose hands is an evil plan,

and whose right hand is full of bribes.^g

¹¹But as for me, I will walk in my integrity.

Redeem me and be gracious to me.

¹²My foot stands on level ground.

In assemblies I will bless Yahweh.