Psalms 53

1 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.

TO THE OVERSEER. “ON A DISEASE.” AN INSTRUCTION OF DAVID. A fool said in his heart, “There is no God.” They have done corruptly, Indeed, they have done abominable iniquity, There is none doing good.

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

God looked on the sons of men from the heavens, To see if there is an understanding one, [One] seeking God.

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

Everyone went back, together they became filthy, There is none doing good—not even one.

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

Workers of iniquity have not known, Those eating my people have eaten bread, They have not called God.

5 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.

There they feared a fear—there was no fear, For God has scattered the bones of him Who is encamping against you, You have put to shame, For God has despised them.

6 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.

Who gives the salvation of Israel from Zion? When God turns back [to] a captivity of His people, Jacob rejoices—Israel is glad!