Psalms 26:1-5

Context

Psalm 26¹

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 associate⁶ with deceitful men,

or consort⁷ with those who are dishonest.⁸

26:5 I hate the mob⁹ of evil men,

and do not associate¹⁰ with the wicked.

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

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

[26:2] ³tn 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] ⁴tn Heb “for your faithfulness [is] before my eyes.”

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

[26:4] ⁶tn Heb “sit.”

[26:4] ⁷tn 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] ⁸tn Heb “[those who] conceal themselves.”

[26:5] ⁹tn Heb “assembly, company.”

[26:5] ¹⁰tn Heb “sit.” The psalmist uses the imperfect form of the verb to emphasize that he does not make a practice of associating with such people.