Psalms 53

1 For the end, [a Psalm] of David upon Maeleth, of instruction. The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They have corrupted [themselves], and become abominable in iniquities: there is none that does good.

To the chief Musician. On Mahalath: an instruction. Of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God! They have corrupted themselves, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

2 God looked down from heaven upon the sons of men, to see if there were any that understood, or sought after God.

God looked down from the heavens upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

3 They have all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, there is not even one.

Every one of them is gone back, they are together become corrupt: there is none that doeth good, not even one.

4 Will none of the workers of iniquity know, who devour my people as they would eat bread? they have not called upon God. There were they greatly afraid, where there was no fear:

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, eating up my people [as] they eat bread? they call not upon God.

5 or God has scattered the bones of the men-pleasers; they were ashamed, for God despised them.

There were they in great fear, where no fear was; for God scattereth the bones of him that encampeth against thee. Thou hast put [them] to shame, for God hath despised them.

6 Who will bring the salvation of Israel out of Sion? When the Lord turns the captivity of his people, Jacob shall exult, and Israel shall be glad.

Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God turneth again the captivity of his people, Jacob shall be glad, Israel shall rejoice.