Psalm 53

W. van der Kamp, 1972; rev.

1. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
   They are corrupt, their horrid deeds they cherish;
   Not one of them does good, and just men perish.
   None calls upon the LORD, none sings His laud
   Or fears His rod.
   
2. The LORD looks down from heaven’s holy throne
   To see if there are any that act wisely.
   O God, not one seeks Thee; they all despise Thee:
   See how the sons of men, to evil prone,
   Thy law disown.
   
3. Will evildoers never understand?
   As though they ate their bread, so those who hate Thee
   Eat up my helpless people, who await Thee.
   They do not pray, but evil they have planned
   Throughout the land.
   
4. See how they trembled, overwhelmed with fear;
   They panicked and their terror was unbounded.
   Their bones God scattered; they were left confounded,
   For He despised them. When they boast and jeer,
   The LORD does hear.
   
5. O Israel, you people of God’s choice,
   That out of Zion might come your salvation!
   When from their bondage God shall free His nation,
   Let Jacob sing and Israel rejoice
   With happy voice.