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

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

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

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

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.

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 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.

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!