Psalms 26 KJV
Summary: A psalm of innocence in which the psalmist asks God to "vindicate me" and "test me... try my heart and my mind" (v. 1-2), Psalm 26 lists the company the speaker has avoided, hypocrites, evildoers, and the wicked (v. 4-5), as evidence of integrity. Its most vivid ritual image is washing hands in innocence before going around God's altar (v. 6), a gesture of ceremonial and moral purity. It closes with a plea not to be swept away with sinners, affirming instead a walk of integrity and a call for God's redemption and mercy.
1Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.
2Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
3For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
4I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
5I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
6I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
7That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
8LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
9Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
10In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
11But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
12My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the LORD.
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