Psalms 53

A Portrait of Sinners

For the choir director: on Mahalath. # 53:title Ps 88 title A Maskil of David.

1 The fool says in his heart, "There’s no God."

They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds.

There is no one who does good.  * 53:1 Ps 10:4; 14:1

2 God looks down from heaven on the human race  * 53:2 Or the descendants of Adam

to see if there is one who is wise,

one who seeks God.  * 53:2 Ps 33:13–15

3 All have turned away;

all alike have become corrupt.

There is no one who does good,

not even one.  * 53:2–3 Rm 3:10–12

4 Will evildoers never understand?

They consume my people as they consume bread;  * 53:4 Ps 27:2; Mc 3:3

they do not call on God.  * 53:4 Is 64:7

5 Then they will be filled with dread —

dread like no other  * 53:5 Lv 26:36  —

because God will scatter

the bones of those who besiege you.  * 53:5 Jr 8:1–2

You will put them to shame,

for God has rejected them.  * 53:5 Ps 44:7

6 Oh, that Israel’s deliverance would come from Zion!

When God restores the fortunes of his people,  * 53:6 Or restores his captive people

let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.  * 53:6 Ps 14:7; Is 52:7–9; Jr 30:18–19