Psalms 53

1 For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Mahalath.” A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.

For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.

2 God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.

God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.

3 Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.

All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on God?

Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God.

5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.

6 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!