Psalms 53

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

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

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

5 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 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!