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.

[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.

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

God looks down from heaven on the descendants of Adam, to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God.

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

Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who 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.

Have evildoers no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and do not call on God?

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.

There they will be in great fear, where no fear had been, for God will scatter the bones of those who encamp against you. You will put them to shame, because God has rejected 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!

Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion. When God brings back his people from captivity, may Jacob rejoice, may Israel be glad.