Psalms 26

A Prayer for Vindication

Of David.*The Hebrew Bible counts the superscription as the first verse of the psalm

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

and I have trusted Yahweh and not wavered.

2 Prove me, O Yahweh, and test me.

Try my innermost being*Literally "kidneys," the locus of intense thoughts and emotions in biblical Hebrew and my mind.*Literally "heart"

3 Because your loyal love is before my eyes,

and I walk about in your faithfulness.

4 I do not sit with deceitful people,

nor will I go about with hypocrites.

5 I hate the crowd of evildoers,

and with the wicked I will not sit.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence,

and I will walk about your altar, O Yahweh,

7 to declare with a voice of thanksgiving,

and tell of all your wondrous deeds.

8 O Yahweh, I love the dwelling of your house,*Or "temple"

and the place where your glory abides.*Literally "the place of the dwelling place of your glory"

9 Do not destroy me*Or "gather my soul for judgment" with the sinners,

nor my life with men of bloodshed,

10 in whose hands is an evil plan,

and whose right hand is full of bribes.*Hebrew "bribe"

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

Redeem me and be gracious to me.

12 My foot stands on level ground.

In assemblies I will bless Yahweh.