Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don’t condemn me along with murderers. Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes. But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord.
Psalms 26:1-12 NLT
Choices and character matter. We know this anytime our friends, family, or leaders let us down. In this psalm, David is declaring his character to the Lord. He is not arrogant or perfect, but he has chosen to live with integrity. David chose to separate himself from those who are liars and hypocrites. His words are full of God’s truth, and he is even asking God to examine his heart and motives. That is more thanhonesty, that is an inner strength of character.
People today believe they can be friends with immoral people and not be influenced at all. The Bible clearly says otherwise: “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33), and “walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble” (Proverbs 13:20). This doesn’t mean that we can’t have any non-Christian friends, but that our closest friends—those who influence us the most—need to be people of strong faith. It’s hard to follow Jesus when those who most influence you are walking a different direction.
Why does the character of those who are closest to you matter so much? What areas of your character is the Lord working to refine?
