A little time with Scripture.
SCRIPTURE READER

Psalms 53

World English Bible · Public domain

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Psalms 53

1For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “Mahalath.” A contemplation by David. The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.

2God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.

3Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.

4Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don’t call on God?

5There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.

6Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back his people from captivity, then Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

World English Bible (WEB). Public-domain translation. Publisher: eBible.org. Local WEB chapter text; additional external requests use bible-api.com.

A few questions for reading in context
  • Who is speaking, and to whom?
  • What is happening before and after this passage?
  • What kind of writing is this—poetry, narrative, letter, or another form?
  • What does the passage say before I consider how to apply it?