Psalms 53 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

For the music director. On Mahalath. A contemplation of David. The fool has declared in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt; their actions are vile. There is no one who does good.

God has looked down from the sky on the human race to see if there is anyone who truly understands, anyone who seeks God.

Every single one has turned away; all of them have become rotten to the core. There is no one who does good — not even one.

Will these people who practice evil never learn? They devour my people like they're eating bread and never call on God.

But then — terror seized them, terror like they'd never known. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame because God rejected them.

If only rescue for Israel would come from Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, Jacob will celebrate, Israel will be glad.