53:1   (A special psalm by David for the music leader. To the tune "Mahalath.") Only a fool would say, "There is no God!" People like that are worthless! They are heartless and cruel and never do right.

53:2   From heaven God looks down to see if anyone is wise enough to search for him.

53:3   But all of them are crooked and corrupt. Not one of them does right.

53:4   Won't you lawbreakers learn? You refuse to pray, and you gobble down the people of God.

53:5   But you will be terrified worse than ever before. God will scatter the bones of his enemies, and you will be ashamed when God rejects you.

53:6   I long for someone from Zion to come and save Israel! Our God, when you bless your people again, Jacob's family will be glad, and Israel will celebrate.