Psalm 26

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.
   
   
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.
   
   
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.
   
   
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.
   
   
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.
   
   
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.
   
   
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.