1 A Psalme of David. Judge me, O Lord, for I haue walked in mine innocency: my trust hath bene also in the Lord: therefore shall I not slide. 2 Proue me, O Lord, and trie mee: examine my reines, and mine heart. 3 For thy louing kindnesse is before mine eyes: therefore haue I walked in thy trueth. 4 I haue not hanted with vaine persons, neither kept companie with the dissemblers. 5 I haue hated the assemblie of the euill, and haue not companied with the wicked. 6 I will wash mine handes in innocencie, O Lord, and compasse thine altar, 7 That I may declare with the voyce of thankesgiuing, and set foorth all thy wonderous woorkes. 8 O Lord, I haue loued the habitation of thine house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. 9 Gather not my soule with the sinners, nor my life with the bloodie men: 10 In whose handes is wickednes, and their right hand is full of bribes. 11 But I will walke in mine innocencie: redeeme me therefore, and be mercifull vnto me. 12 My foote standeth in vprightnesse: I will praise thee, O Lord, in the Congregations.
(By David.)
The Prayer of an Innocent Person
1 Show that I am right, Lord!
I stay true to myself,
and I have trusted you
without doubting.
2 Test my thoughts and find out
what I am like.
3 I never forget your kindness,
and I am always faithful
to you.
4 I don't spend my time
with worthless liars
5 or go with evil crowds.
6 I wash my hands, Lord,
to show my innocence,
and I worship at your altar,
7 while gratefully singing
about your wonders.
8 I love the temple
where you live, and where
your glory shines.
9 Don't sweep me away,
as you do sinners.
Don't punish me with death
as you do those people
who are brutal
10 or full of meanness
or who bribe others.
11 I stay true to myself.
Be kind and rescue me.
12 Now I stand on solid ground!
And when your people meet,
I will praise you, Lord.