Psalms 53

1 The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that does good.

For the music director. According to Mahalath. A psalm (maskil) of David. Only fools tell themselves, “God doesn't exist.” They are completely immoral, they commit terrible sins, not a single one of them does anything good.

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

God watches from heaven to see if anyone understands, if anyone wants to come to God.

3 Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that does good, no, not one.

They have all fallen away, they are totally depraved; none of them does anything good, not even one.

4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called on God.

“Won't these people who do evil ever learn? They consume my people as if they were eating bread, and refuse to pray to me.”

5 There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God has scattered the bones of him that encamps against you: you have put them to shame, because God has despised them.

They will become completely terrified, more frightened than they have ever been. God will scatter the bones of those who fight against you; you will defeat them because God has rejected them.

6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God brings back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

If only God's salvation would come from Zion! When God restores his people, the people of Jacob will celebrate, and the people of Israel will be glad.