Psalms 26:1-4

Psalm 26 ¹ 

By David.

26:1 Vindicate me, O Lord,

for I have integrity, ² 

and I trust in the Lord without wavering.

26:2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me!

Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! ³ 

26:3 For I am ever aware of your faithfulness, ⁴ 

and your loyalty continually motivates me. ⁵ 

26:4 I do not associate ⁶  with deceitful men,

or consort ⁷  with those who are dishonest. ⁸ 

[26:1]  ¹ sn Psalm 26. The author invites the Lord to test his integrity, asserts his innocence and declares his loyalty to God.

[26:1]  ² tn Heb “for I in my integrity walk.”

[26:2]  ³ tn Heb “evaluate my kidneys and my heart.” The kidneys and heart were viewed as the seat of one’s volition, conscience, and moral character.

[26:3]  ⁴ tn Heb “for your faithfulness [is] before my eyes.”

[26:3]  ⁵ tn Heb “and I walk about in your loyalty.”

[26:4]  ⁶ tn Heb “sit.”

[26:4]  ⁷ tn Heb “go.” The psalmist uses the imperfect form of the verb to emphasize that he does not make a practice of associating with such people.

[26:4]  ⁸ tn Heb “[those who] conceal themselves.”