Psalms 53

1 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.

To the chief music-maker; put to Mahalath. Maschil. Of David. The foolish man has said in his heart, God will not do anything. They are unclean, they have done evil works; there is not one who does good.

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

God was looking down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who had wisdom, searching after God.

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

Every one of them has gone back; they are unclean: there is not one who does good, no, not one.

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

Have the workers of evil no knowledge? they take my people for food, as they would take bread; they make no prayer to God.

5 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.

They were in great fear, where there was no cause for fear: for the bones of those who make war on you have been broken by God; you have put them to shame, because God has no desire for them.

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

May the salvation of Israel come out of Zion! When the fate of his people is changed by God, Jacob will have joy, and Israel will be glad.