Psalm 26 — Walking with Integrity

A Psalm of David

1 Judge me, O LORD, for I have walked in mine integrity:
I have trusted also in the LORD without wavering.
2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me;
Try my reins and my heart.
3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes;
And I have walked in thy truth.
4 I have not sat with vain persons;
Neither will I go in with dissemblers.
5 I hate the congregation of evil-doers,
And will not sit with the wicked.
6 I will wash mine hands in innocency;
So will I compass thine altar, O LORD:
7 That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard,
And tell of all thy wondrous works.
8 LORD, I love the habitation of thy house,
And the place where thy glory dwelleth.
9 Gather not my soul with sinners,
Nor my life with men of blood:
10 In whose hands is mischief,
And their right hand is full of bribes.
11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity:
Redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
12 My foot standeth in an even place:
In the congregations will I bless the LORD.

This psalm relates the connection between our heart and our behavior. It shows how what we do and the people we associate with are connected to our goals in life.

David himself walks in his integrity; he trusts in God's ways. He allows God's rules to reign in his heart. This helps him achieve his desire to be in God's house. His great delight in the Lord's glory is fed by his effort to walk aright.

Thus, he hates evil ways. The deeds of the men of blood & mischief are contrary to his own. He walks in integrity, not bribes. He does not want to be caught up with vain persons, hypocrites & pretenders.

Maybe that is what it means to love the Lord's habitation and place of glory. Maybe it's the love of integrity and truth, itself.