← The Psalm world
Illustration for Psalm 26: Walking in Integrity

Psalm 26

Walking in Integrity

When AfraidComfortPraise

David asks God to test his heart and see that he has been trying to live honestly. He loves being in God's house and wants to keep his life clean and close to God. Integrity means being the same person on the inside as you show on the outside.

  1. 1Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in integrity; I have trusted in the LORD and have not wavered.
  2. 2Test me, O LORD, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
  3. 3For Your loving devotion is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.
  4. 4I do not sit with the deceitful, nor do I associate with hypocrites.
  5. 5I hate the company of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.
  6. 6I wash my hands in innocence and go about Your altar, O LORD,
  7. 7that I may proclaim thanksgiving aloud and declare all Your wondrous deeds.
  8. 8O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory tabernacles.
  9. 9Do not take away my soul along with sinners, or my life with men of bloodshed,
  10. 10in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.
  11. 11But as for me, I walk in my integrity; redeem me and be gracious to me.
  12. 12My foot stands on level ground; in the assemblies I will bless the LORD.

What it means

God can see what's really inside us, so we can ask Him to check our hearts. People who love God also love being with His people — gathering to worship Him is something to look forward to.

A little prayer

Lord, look inside my heart and help me live honestly. I love being with You and Your people — thank You for that. Amen.

Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB)