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 leader. On mahalath. A maskil of David. Fools say in their heart, “There is no God.” Vile, hateful their life is; not one does good.

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

From heaven God looks out on humans, to see if any are wise, and care for God.

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

But all have turned bad, the taint is on all; not one 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 they learned their lesson, those workers of evil? Who ate up my people, eating, devouring, never calling to the Lord.

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.

Sore afraid will they be, where no fear was; when God scatters the bones of the godless people. They will be put to shame, when God rejects 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!

If only help from Zion would come for Israel! When God brings his people a change of fortune, how glad will be Jacob, and Israel how joyful!