Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life; I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. 2 Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth. 4 I do not sit with deceitful men, nor do I consort with hypocrites; 5 I abhor the assembly of evildoers and refuse to sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O LORD, 7 proclaiming aloud your praise and telling of all your wonderful deeds. 8 I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.
9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, 10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me. 12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

What is the difference between self-righteousness and truthful self examination? The self-righteous Pharisee stood and prayed and proclaimed to God just how good he was and professed all his good deeds. He then ended his prayer with how much better he was than the tax collector who sat nearby. We can see at least two traits in the Pharisee that are not in this Psalm. The first is how much he depended on his own goodness and deeds for being right with God. He was earning his standing with God – at least in his own mind. The second problem was his attitude toward those whom he perceived as being less righteous than he. He looked at them in judgmental scorn. In his mind, this lowered the standing of the other person with God and elevated his own standing. Jesus condemned this lack of humility and declared that the tax collector who confessed his sinfulness went away more justified. 

We all fall short of the glory of God so we must not tout our goodness and righteousness before God or man.
On the other hand, the Psalmist is simply declaring that he has his heart set on serving God. He is doing his best to do the will of God. He is open to being corrected and willing to change if needed in order to please God. The emphasis of his life is praising the Lord in all things. This is not self righteousness but is honest self examination and true commitment. 

O God, please help me to honestly commit my life to you each day. Give me courage to look into your word and compare my life to your glory and your will and then conform to be like you. I pray that your Spirit will transform my heart so that I can be in your will. Show me how to help others and share your love with them. Use me in your service. I pray in Jesus name.

May God bless each of us as we accept his transformation in our life.