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New International Version (NIV) |
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1 Clear my name, God; I've kept an honest shop. I've thrown in my lot with you, God, and I'm not budging.
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1 Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
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2 Examine me, God, from head to foot, order your battery of tests. Make sure I'm fit inside and out
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2 Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
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3 So I never lose sight of your love, But keep in step with you, never missing a beat.
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3 for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth.
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4 I don't hang out with tricksters, I don't pal around with thugs;
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4 I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites;
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5 I hate that pack of gangsters, I don't deal with double-dealers.
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5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked.
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6 I scrub my hands with purest soap, then join hands with the others in the great circle, dancing around your altar, God,
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6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD,
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7 Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs, telling God-stories.
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7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds.
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8 God, I love living with you; your house glows with your glory.
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8 I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.
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9 When it's time for spring cleaning, don't sweep me out with the quacks and crooks,
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9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men,
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10 Men with bags of dirty tricks, women with purses stuffed with bribe-money.
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10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes.
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11 You know I've been aboveboard with you; now be aboveboard with me.
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11 But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me.
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12 I'm on the level with you, God; I bless you every chance I get.
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12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.
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| Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved. (The Message Bible Online) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
