Add parallel Print Page Options

Plea for Justice and Declaration of Righteousness

A Psalm of David.

26 Vindicate me, O Lord,
    for I have walked in my integrity,
    and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
    test my heart and my mind.
For thy steadfast love is before my eyes,
    and I walk in faithfulness to thee.[a]

I do not sit with false men,
    nor do I consort with dissemblers;
I hate the company of evildoers,
    and I will not sit with the wicked.

I wash my hands in innocence,
    and go about thy altar, O Lord,
singing aloud a song of thanksgiving,
    and telling all thy wondrous deeds.

O Lord, I love the habitation of thy house,
    and the place where thy glory dwells.
Sweep me not away with sinners,
    nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
10 men in whose hands are evil devices,
    and whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I walk in my integrity;
    redeem me, and be gracious to me.
12 My foot stands on level ground;
    in the great congregation I will bless the Lord.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 26:3 Or in thy faithfulness

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.