Psalms 53

1 To him that excelleth on Mahalath. A Psalme of David to give instruction. The foole hath saide in his heart, There is no God. they haue corrupted and done abominable wickednes: there is none that doeth good.

For the choirmaster. According to Mahalath. A Maskil of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their ways are vile. There is no one who does good.

2 God looked downe from heauen vpon the children of men, to see if there were any that would vnderstand, and seeke God.

God looks down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if any understand, if any seek God.

3 Euery one is gone backe: they are altogether corrupt: there is none that doth good, no not one.

All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

4 Doe not the workers of iniquitie knowe that they eate vp my people as they eate bread? they call not vpon God.

Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God.

5 There they were afraide for feare, where no feare was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that besieged thee: thou hast put them to confusion, because God hath cast them off.

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.

6 Oh giue saluation vnto Israel out of Zion: when God turneth the captiuitie of his people, then Iaakob shall reioyce, and Israel shalbe glad.

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!