The Prayer of a Good Person+

1Declare me innocent, O Lord,

because I do what is right

and trust you completely.

2Examine me and test me, Lord;

judge my desires and thoughts.

3Your constant love is my guide;

your faithfulness always leads me.+

4I do not keep company with worthless people;

I have nothing to do with hypocrites.

5I hate the company of the evil

and avoid the wicked.

6Lord, I wash my hands to show that I am innocent

and march in worship around your altar.

7I sing a hymn of thanksgiving

and tell of all your wonderful deeds.

8I love the house where you live, O Lord,

the place where your glory dwells.

9Do not destroy me with the sinners;

spare me from the fate of murderers—

10those who do evil all the time

and are always ready to take bribes.

11As for me, I do what is right;

be merciful to me and save me!

12I am safe from all dangers;

in the assembly of his people I praise the Lord.