Psalms 26; Psalms 27; Psalms 28

1 Establish justice for me, LORD, because I have walked with integrity. I've trusted the LORD without wavering.

2 Examine me, LORD; put me to the test! Purify my mind and my heart.

3 Because your faithful love is right in front of me— I walk in your truth!

4 I don't spend time with people up to no good; I don't keep company with liars.

5 I detest the company of evildoers, and I don't sit with wicked people.

6 I wash my hands—they are innocent! I walk all around your altar, LORD,

7 proclaiming out loud my thanks, declaring all your wonderful deeds!

8 I love the beauty of your house, LORD; I love the place where your glory resides.

9 Don't gather me up with the sinners, taking my life along with violent people

10 in whose hands are evil schemes, whose strong hands are full of bribes.

11 But me? I walk with integrity. Save me! Have mercy on me!

12 My feet now stand on level ground. I will bless the LORD in the great congregation.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The LORD is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything?

2 When evildoers come at me trying to eat me up— it's they, my foes and my enemies, who stumble and fall!

3 If an army camps against me, my heart won't be afraid. If war comes up against me, I will continue to trust in this:

4 I have asked one thing from the LORD— it's all I seek: to live in the LORD's house all the days of my life, seeing the LORD's beauty and constantly adoring his temple.

5 Because he will shelter me in his own dwelling during troubling times; he will hide me in a secret place in his own tent; he will set me up high, safe on a rock.

6 Now my head is higher than the enemies surrounding me, and I will offer sacrifices in God's tent— sacrifices with shouts of joy! I will sing and praise the LORD.

7 LORD, listen to my voice when I cry out— have mercy on me and answer me!

8 Come, my heart says, seek God's face. LORD, I do seek your face!

9 Please don't hide it from me! Don't push your servant aside angrily— you have been my help! God who saves me, don't neglect me! Don't leave me all alone!

10 Even if my father and mother left me all alone, the LORD would take me in.

11 LORD, teach me your way; because of my opponents, lead me on a good path.

12 Don't give me over to the desires of my enemies, because false witnesses and violent accusers have taken their stand against me.

13 But I have sure faith that I will experience the LORD's goodness in the land of the living!

14 Hope in the LORD! Be strong! Let your heart take courage! Hope in the LORD!

1 I cry out to you, LORD. You are my rock; don't refuse to hear me. If you won't talk to me, I'll be just like those going down to the pit.

2 Listen to my request for mercy when I cry out to you, when I lift up my hands to your holy inner sanctuary.

3 Don't drag me off with the wicked and those who do evil; the type who talk nice to their friends while evil thoughts are in their hearts!

4 Pay them back for what they've done! Pay them back for their evil deeds! Pay them back for their handiwork! Give back to them exactly what they deserve!

5 Because they have no regard for what the LORD has done, no regard for his handiwork, God will tear them down and never rebuild!

6 Bless the LORD because he has listened to my request for mercy!

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts him. I was helped, my heart rejoiced, and I thank him with my song.

8 The LORD is his people's strength; he is a fortress of protection for his anointed one.

9 Save your people, God! Bless your possession! Shepherd them and carry them for all time!