1 For the director, according to Mahalath. A contemplative psalm of David.

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 The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt and have committed terrible injustice; there is no one who does good.

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

3 God looks down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there is anyone who understands, anyone who seeks after God.

Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

4 All have turned away; together they have become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.

Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread: they have not called upon God.

5 Do they not understand, these evildoers who devour my people as they eat bread and do not call upon God?

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 There they were filled with dread where there was no reason to fear, for God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God has rejected them.

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.

7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.