Psalms 26:2

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

Evaluate my inner thoughts and motives! ¹ 

Psalms 16:7

16:7 I will praise ²  the Lord who ³  guides ⁴  me;

yes, during the night I reflect and learn. ⁵ 

[26:2]  ¹ 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.

[16:7]  ² tn Heb “bless,” that is, “proclaim as worthy of praise.”

[16:7]  ³ tn Or “because.”

[16:7]  ⁴ tn Or “counsels, advises.”

[16:7]  ⁵ tn Heb “yes, [during] nights my kidneys instruct [or “correct”] me.” The “kidneys” are viewed here as the seat of the psalmist’s moral character (see Ps 26:2). In the quiet darkness the Lord speaks to his inner being, as it were, and enables him to grow in moral understanding.