Psalms 53

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[1]David describeth the general corruption of mankind. [7]He wisheth to see the salvation of God.

To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil, A Psalm of David.

1. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

2. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

3. Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth 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 upon God.

5. There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.

6. Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Metrical version

Psalm 53

C.M.

That there is not a God, the fool
doth in his heart conclude:
They are corrupt, their works are vile,
not one of them doth good.

The Lord upon the sons of men
from heav'n did cast his eyes,
To see if any one there was
that sought God, and was wise.

They altogether filthy are,
they all are backward gone;
And there is none that doeth good,
no, not so much as one.

These workers of iniquity,
do they not know at all,
That they my people eat as bread,
and on God do not call?

Ev'n there they were afraid, and stood
with trembling, all dismayed,
Whereas there was no cause at all
why they should be afraid:

For God his bones that thee besieged
hath scattered all abroad;
Thou hast confounded them, for they
despised are of God.

Let Isr'el's help from Zion come:
when back the Lord shall bring
His captives, Jacob shall rejoice,
and Israel shall sing.