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.

[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.

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

God looks down from heaven on the descendants of Adam, to see if there are any who are wise, who seek 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 have become filthy together. There is no 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 evildoers no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on 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.

There they will be in great fear, where no fear had been, for God will scatter the bones of those who encamp against you. You will put them to shame, because God has rejected 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!

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