Aa
Psalm 53
A Portrait of Sinners
For the choir director: on Mahalath.53:0 Ps 88 A Maskil of David.
1The 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
2God looks down from heaven on the human race53:2 Or the descendants of Adam
to see if there is one who is wise,
one who seeks God.53:2 Ps 33:13–15
3All 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

4Will 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
5Then they will be filled with dread —
dread like no other53:5 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

6Oh, 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