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This is a song that David wrote.

I do what is right

26 Lord, I always try to do what is right.
    I continue to trust you all the time.
So please show that I am not guilty of wrong things.
Test me, Lord, and see how I have lived.
Look into my mind and see my thoughts.
I always know that I can trust you,
    because of your faithful love.
So I live to please you.
I do not become a friend of people who tell lies.
    I do not join together with hypocrites.
I keep away from any crowd of evil people.
    I do not become a friend of wicked people.

I wash my hands as a sign
    that I live in a pure way.[a]
I will worship you at your altar, Lord.
    I will sing aloud to thank you.
I will tell people about all the great things that you have done.
Lord, I love the temple that is your house.
    It is the place where we clearly see your glory.

Do not take away my life,
    as you do with sinners.
Do not punish me with death,
    as you do with murderers.
10 Those wicked people are always ready to do evil things.
    They use bribes to get what they want.
11 But I always try to do what is right.
    Please save me and be kind to me!
12 Now I stand in a safe place.
I will praise the Lord
    when his people meet together to worship him.

Footnotes

  1. 26:6 To wash your hands was a sign that you lived in a good way. It showed that you had not done any wrong thing.

Psalm 26

Of David.

Vindicate me,(A) Lord,
    for I have led a blameless life;(B)
I have trusted(C) in the Lord
    and have not faltered.(D)
Test me,(E) Lord, and try me,
    examine my heart and my mind;(F)
for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love(G)
    and have lived(H) in reliance on your faithfulness.(I)

I do not sit(J) with the deceitful,
    nor do I associate with hypocrites.(K)
I abhor(L) the assembly of evildoers
    and refuse to sit with the wicked.
I wash my hands in innocence,(M)
    and go about your altar, Lord,
proclaiming aloud your praise(N)
    and telling of all your wonderful deeds.(O)

Lord, I love(P) the house where you live,
    the place where your glory dwells.(Q)
Do not take away my soul along with sinners,
    my life with those who are bloodthirsty,(R)
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,(S)
    whose right hands are full of bribes.(T)
11 I lead a blameless life;
    deliver me(U) and be merciful to me.

12 My feet stand on level ground;(V)
    in the great congregation(W) I will praise the Lord.