Psalm 26

A psalm of David.

¹Declare me innocent, O Lord,

for I have acted with integrity;

I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

²Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.

Test my motives and my heart.

³For I am always aware of your unfailing love,

and I have lived according to your truth.

⁴I do not spend time with liars

or go along with hypocrites.

⁵I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,

and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

⁶I wash my hands to declare my innocence.

I come to your altar, O Lord,

⁷singing a song of thanksgiving

and telling of all your wonders.

⁸I love your sanctuary, Lord,

the place where your glorious presence dwells.

⁹Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.

Don’t condemn me along with murderers.

¹⁰Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,

and they constantly take bribes.

¹¹But I am not like that; I live with integrity.

So redeem me and show me mercy.

¹²Now I stand on solid ground,

and I will publicly praise the Lord.