1 Judge me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide.
The writer of this Psalm (King David) is asking the Lord (YHWH/Jehovah) to look within David and see that, for the most part, David has walked the straight and narrow path according to God’s Holy Word. David and we should trust the Lord and not allow ourselves to slide into disobedience and sin.
2 Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
Scrutinize me YHWH. Look into the depths of my guts, my heart and mind. The word reins is an archaic word for kidney. In ancient times the heart was also felt to be the center of feelings and desires, but in modern times the direct neurological link between heart and brain has been identified, so the ancient peoples were correct. David wanted YHWH to examine his heartfelt feelings, the center of his being.
3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
David acknowledges YHWH for his agape love for him, because David has the wisdom to live according to scripture.
4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
David shares with YHWH that he doesn’t associate with liars, bearers of false witness, deceitful people or hypocrites (dissemblers).
5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.
David continues that he will not associate with willful sinners that don’t care that they are sinning and have no intention of discontinuing their sin.
6 I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord:
David shares that he is innocent, because he has accepted the Lord as his Lord and Savior, by faith. God then provides His mercy and grace, and that’s all that’s necessary to be innocent in God’s eyes. David will humble himself often at YHWH’s altar and be willing to stand and proclaim that the Lord is God.
7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
David will stand and proclaim YHWH with thankfulness, and tell everyone that will listen, all the marvels and amazing things God has done and continues to do in his life and the world around us.
8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth.
David proclaims to YHWH that he loves going to church, being in the house of God to worship the one and only true God and feeling His glorious presence.
9 Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:
David asked God to not let him get caught up in sin like wicked and murderous people.
10 In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes.
David tells YHWH what YHWH already knows, that the sinful, wicked, murderous people of this world are full of sinful schemes, and take bribes to accomplish their sinful schemes, providing themselves with ill-gotten power and money.
11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.
David proclaims to YHWH that he will not be like those sinful people and will live according to God’s will according to scripture. He requested YHWH to buy him back from his old sinful existence and provide mercy and grace, through David’s faith in God.
12 My foot standeth in an even place: in the congregations will I bless the Lord.
David, knowing that he has accepted the Lord, as both Savior and Lord, by faith through God’s grace, states that he is standing on the solid rock, on a level place in life. David will praise (bless) the Lord openly and publicly at church and to anyone willing to listen.
Some could think of this Psalm as judgmental and pharisaical, but if you research the meaning of what David is saying, you reveal a song of praise and adoration for our precious Lord from one of his dedicated and willing servants.