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.

[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 looked down from heaven upon the sons of men, to see if there were any that understood, or sought 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 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 has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not 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 evildoers no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on God?

5 or God has scattered the bones of the men-pleasers; they were ashamed, for God despised 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 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 would come out of Zion. When God brings back his people from captivity, may Jacob rejoice, may Israel be glad.