John Calvin Commentary Psalms 26:11

"But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: Redeem me, and be merciful unto me." — Psalms 26:11 (ASV)

But I will walk in my integrity. In this repetition, a circumstance is to be noted that more clearly illustrates David’s righteousness: namely, that in the midst of so many temptations, he steadily maintained his course. He saw many become suddenly rich by gifts, just as we still see those who are in positions of power accumulating for themselves, in a very short time, a great abundance of wealth, building sumptuous palaces, and extending their lands far and wide.

As no allurements could induce him to imitate their example in this, he gave proof of rare and heroic virtue. He therefore truthfully affirms that although the world considered them happy, he had not been seduced from his customary integrity, so that it would be evident that he attributed more to God’s providence than to evil practices.

He, therefore, beseeches God to redeem him, because, being oppressed with wrongs and tempted in various ways, he relied only on God, trusting that he would deliver him. From this we can conclude that he was at this time in great difficulty. He adds, Be merciful to me, by which he shows that this deliverance flows from God’s grace as its true source; and we have already seen that the cause is often put in place of the effect.