Psalms
Summary
Psalm 26 is David’s bold appeal for God to judge him based on his integrity and faithful walking. He asks God to "examine me and prove me," and to test his heart and mind. David distances himself from the "congregation of evildoers" and "vain persons," declaring his love for the habitation of God’s house and the place where His glory dwells. He vows to wash his hands in innocence and to compass God’s altar with thanksgiving. The psalm is an expression of deep desire for moral purity and a refusal to be gathered with those whose lives are marked by mischief and bribes.
Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity; I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slip.
Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; test my heart and my mind.
For your unfailing love is before my eyes, and I have walked in your truth.
I do not sit with deceitful men, nor will I go in with hypocrites.
I hate the assembly of evildoers and will not sit with the wicked.
I will wash my hands in innocence; so will I go about your altar, O LORD,
that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all your wondrous works.
LORD, I love the house where you dwell, the place where your glory dwells.
Do not gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men,
in whose hands are wicked schemes and whose right hand is full of bribes.
But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; redeem me and be merciful to me.
My foot stands on level ground; in the assemblies I will bless the LORD.