Psalms 53

1 “For the leader of the music. To be sung on wind instruments. A psalm of David.” The fool saith in his heart, “There is no God!” They are corrupt; their doings are abominable; There is none that doeth good.

For the leader. On mahalath. A maskil of David. Fools say in their heart, ‘There is no God.’ Vile, hateful their life is; not one does good.

2 God looketh down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any that have understanding, That have regard to God.

From heaven God looks out on humans, to see if any are wise, and care for God.

3 They are all gone astray; together are they corrupt; There is none that doeth good, no, not one.

But all have turned bad, the taint is on all; not one does good, no, not one.

4 Shall not the evil-doers be requited, Who eat up my people like bread, And call not upon God?

Have they learned their lesson, those workers of evil? Who ate up my people, eating, devouring, never calling to the Lord.

5 Yea! fear shall come upon them, Where no fear is; For God will scatter the bones of him that encampeth against thee; Thou shalt put them to shame, for God despiseth them!

Sore afraid will they be, where no fear was; when God scatters the bones of the godless people. They will be put to shame, when God rejects them.

6 O that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captives of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel be glad.

If only help from Zion would come for Israel! When God brings his people a change of fortune, how glad will be Jacob, and Israel how joyful!