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.

[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 was looking down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who had wisdom, searching after 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 Every one of them has gone back; they are unclean: there is not one who does good, no, not one.

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

Have evildoers no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on 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 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 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.

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.