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 leader of the music. To be sung on wind instruments. A psalm of David.” The fool saith in his heart, “There is no God!” They are corrupt; their doings are abominable; There is none that doeth 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 looketh down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any that have understanding, That have regard to God.

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

They are all gone astray; together are they corrupt; There is none that doeth 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.

Shall not the evil-doers be requited, Who eat up my people like bread, And call not upon 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.

Yea! fear shall come upon them, Where no fear is; For God will scatter the bones of him that encampeth against thee; Thou shalt put them to shame, for God despiseth 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.

O that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captives of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel be glad.