Psalm 26:2
ESV
Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.
NIV
Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;
NASB
Examine me, Lord, and put me to the test; Refine my mind and my heart.
CSB
Test me, Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
NLT
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.
KJV
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
NKJV
Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.
What does Psalm 26:2 mean?
David invites the Lord to test his inner being: his heart and his mind. He has claimed to be a man of integrity and faith (Psalm 26:1), now he asks the Lord to search him and see that his claim is substantiated.In 1 Kings 9:4–5, when speaking to Solomon, the Lord affirmed David's integrity. He said: "And as for you [Solomon], if you will walk before me, as David your father walked, with integrity of heart and uprightness, doing according to all that I have commanded you, and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever."
It is good to invite the Lord to examine the heart and mind. Doing so preserves the believer's integrity. Psalm 139:23 records David's prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!"
