Psalms 53

1 Unto the end. For Mahalath: the thoughts of David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They were corrupted, and they became abominable with iniquities. There is no one who does good.

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.

2 God gazed down from heaven on the sons of men, to see if there were any who were considering or seeking God.

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

3 All have gone astray; together they have become useless. There is no one who does good; there is not even one.

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

4 Will they never learn: all those who work iniquity, who devour my people like a meal of bread?

Have the workers of evil no knowledge? they take my people for food, as they would take bread; they make no prayer to God.

5 They have not called upon God. In that place, they have trembled in fear, where there was no fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who please men. They have been confounded, because God has spurned them.

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.

6 Who will grant from Zion the salvation of Israel? Jacob will exult, when God will convert the captivity of his people; and Israel will rejoice.

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.