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.

To the chief music-maker; put to Mahalath. Maschil. Of David. The foolish man has said in his heart, God will not do anything. They are unclean, they have done evil works; there is not one who does 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 was looking down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there were any who had wisdom, searching after God.

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

Every one of them has gone back; they are unclean: there is not one who does good, no, not one.

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

Have the workers of evil no knowledge? they take my people for food, as they would take bread; they make no prayer to God.

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 were in great fear, where there was no cause for fear: for the bones of those who make war on you have been broken by God; you have put them to shame, because God has no desire for 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.

May the salvation of Israel come out of Zion! When the fate of his people is changed by God, Jacob will have joy, and Israel will be glad.