1 T he fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are sinful and have done bad things. There is no one who does good.

The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt and evil are they, and doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.

2 G od has looked down from heaven at the children of men to see if there is anyone who understands and looks for God.

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood, who sought (inquired after and desperately required) God.

3 T hey have all turned back. They have all turned to sin. There is no one who does good, not even one.

Every one of them has gone back; they have altogether become filthy and corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one.

4 H ave those who do wrong no understanding? They eat up My people like they eat bread. They have not called upon God.

Have those who work evil no knowledge (no understanding)? They eat up My people as they eat bread; they do not call upon God.

5 T here they were, in much fear, where there was nothing to be afraid of. For God has spread out the bones of those who come against you. You put them to shame, because God has turned away from them.

There they are, in terror and dread, where there was no terror and dread! For God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you; you have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.

6 O , that the saving of Israel would come out of Zion! Jacob will be full of joy and Israel will be glad when God returns His people to their land.

Oh, that the salvation and deliverance of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores the fortunes of His people, then will Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad.