What does Psalm 26:12 mean?

In this closing verse, David expresses confidence that he will not be moved from his commitment to the Lord. The hypocrites were on shaky ground and about to be swept away in judgment (Psalm 26:9), but David stood firm. The typical pattern of David's life was this sincere commitment to God. Though he was not perfect (Psalm 51), David was not a part-time follower of God—devotion to the Lord was a characteristic of his life. His intent to praise God in public worship was yet another sign of this loyalty.

In Psalm 143:10 David prays, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" The believer cannot slip from the path of righteousness if he is submissive to God's will and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul urges the Ephesians—and all believers—to stand against the Devil's schemes by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). He also tells the Thessalonians to "stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter" (2 Thessalonians 2:15). Adherence to the faith enables a believer to stand on level ground (Philippians 2:12–13). Ultimately, it is God who is "able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen" (Jude 1:24–25).