Psalm 26

The Prayer of an Innocent Believer

Of David.

26Lord, defend me because I have lived an innocent life.

I have trusted the Lord and never doubted.

²Lord, try me and test me;

look closely into my heart and mind.

³I see your love,

and I live by your truth.

⁴I do not spend time with liars,

nor do I make friends with those who hide their sin.

⁵I hate the company of evil people,

and I won’t sit with the wicked.

⁶I wash my hands to show I am innocent,

and I come to your altar, Lord.

⁷I raise my voice in praise

and tell of all the miracles you have done.

⁸Lord, I love the Temple where you live,

where your glory is.

⁹Do not kill me with those sinners

or take my life with those murderers.

¹⁰Evil is in their hands,

and they do wrong for money.

¹¹But I have lived an innocent life,

so save me and have mercy on me.

¹²I stand in a safe place.

Lord, I praise you in the great meeting.