Vindicate Me, O LORD

David opens by asking the LORD to vindicate him because he has walked in integrity and trusted without wavering. He is willing for God to test and refine him because God's steadfast love stays before his eyes and governs the way he walks.

O¹f David. ²Test me, O LORD, and try me; ³For Your loving devotion is before my eyes,

David distinguishes himself from deceitful, hypocritical, and evil people, refusing their company and declaring his hatred for their assembly. In contrast, he approaches the altar with innocent hands, raises thanksgiving, recounts God's wonders, and confesses his love for the house where the LORD's glory dwells.

⁴I do not sit with deceitful men, ⁵I hate the mob of evildoers, ⁶I wash my hands in innocence ⁷to raise my voice in thanksgiving ⁸O LORD, I love the house where You dwell,

David asks not to be swept away with sinners whose hands are full of schemes and bribes, but instead asks for redemption and mercy as one determined to walk in integrity. The psalm closes with steady footing on level ground and with the promise to bless the LORD in the gathered assembly.

⁹Do not take my soul away with sinners, ¹⁰in whose hands are wicked schemes, ¹¹But I will walk with integrity; ¹²My feet stand on level ground;