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.

[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 gazed down from heaven on the sons of men, to see if there were any who were considering or seeking 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 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 have become filthy together. There is no 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 evildoers no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on 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.

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

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.