Psalms 53

1 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.

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 looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.

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

3 Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.

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

4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on God?

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

5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected 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 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall 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!