John Calvin Commentary Psalms 26:10

"In whose hands is wickedness, And their right hand is full of bribes." — Psalms 26:10 (ASV)

For in their hands is maliciousness. The Hebrew word זמה, zimmah, properly signifies an inward stratagem, or device. But here it is fittingly applied to the hands, because David wished to suggest that the wicked of whom he was speaking not only secretly imagined deceits, but also vigorously executed with their hands the malice which their hearts devised.

When he further says, Their right hands are full of bribes, we may infer from this that it was not the common people whom he pointed out, but the nobility themselves, who were most guilty of practicing this corruption. Although common and less reputable people may be hired for reward and persuaded to act as agents in wickedness, yet we know that bribes are offered chiefly to judges and other great men who are in power; and we likewise know that at the time referred to here, the worst of men held power.

It was no wonder, therefore, that David complained that justice was for sale. We are further admonished by this expression that those who delight in gifts can hardly avoid selling themselves to iniquity. Nor is it in vain, unquestionably, that God declares that gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the hearts of the righteous (Deuteronomy 16:19).