Psalms 53

1 For the end, [a Psalm] of David upon Maeleth, of instruction. The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They have corrupted [themselves], and become abominable in iniquities: there is none that 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 looked down from heaven upon the sons of men, to see if there were any that understood, or sought after God.

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

3 They have all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that does good, there is not even one.

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

4 Will none of the workers of iniquity know, who devour my people as they would eat bread? they have not called upon God. There were they greatly afraid, where there was no fear:

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

5 or God has scattered the bones of the men-pleasers; they were ashamed, for God despised 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 Who will bring the salvation of Israel out of Sion? When the Lord turns the captivity of his people, Jacob shall exult, 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!