Psalm 26
Vers 1
O vindicate me, LORD!
Deceit I have abhorred;
I’ve led a life of blameless ways
and never did I waver.
I’ve always sought your favour;
in you I’ve trusted all my days.
Vers 2
LORD, test my heart and mind;
examine me to find
how much I long to be upright.
Let me not fall and perish;
your steadfast love I cherish
and in your truth I take delight.
Vers 3
With fools I do not sit;
I hate the hypocrite
and scorn all evil company.
My seat I’ve never taken
with those who have forsaken
the pathways of integrity.
Vers 4
O LORD, I wash my hands
to show my innocence,
and in your courts I take my place.
Around your altar, singing,
my voice with rapture ringing,
I laud your wondrous deeds of grace.
Vers 5
O LORD, I love your house,
the place that you once chose
to be your home in Israel.
I stand in adoration,
for in your habitation
your majesty and glory dwell.
Vers 6
LORD, sweep me not away
with those who kill and slay,
those who against you have rebelled –
men with corruption tainted,
with wicked schemes acquainted,
those whose right hands with bribes are filled.
Vers 7
But I will blameless be
In mercy ransom me!
My feet stand firm on level ground;
in the great congregation
I’ll join in celebration
to praise the LORD with joyful sound.