Psalms 26

Examine me, O Lord

eclare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. ²Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.a ³For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.

⁴I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. ⁵I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. ⁶I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, ⁷singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders.

⁸I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. ⁹Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don’t condemn me along with murderers. ¹⁰Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes.

¹¹But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. ¹²Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord.

Commentary

Psalm 26 is a prayer of David that blends a plea for vindication with a declaration of integrity. The psalmist invites God to examine his life, not out of self-righteousness, but from a clear conscience rooted in trust. He contrasts his own devotion with the company of the wicked, l

Read full commentary

Bible Dictionary· Psalms 26(3)

Cross Place The Way

References· Psalms 26

a: v.2 — Psalms 139:23-24, Psalms 7:9, Psalms 17:3, Zechariah 13:9, Job 13:23, Jeremiah 20:12, Job 31:4-6, Psalms 66:10

Midvash cross references + OpenBible.info data (CC BY 4.0).

Copied!

Guided study

Study this chapter

A guided session — observe, interpret, apply — that ends in your own note.