1To the Chief Musician; in a mournful strain. A skillful song, or didactic or reflective poem of David. THE [empty-headed] 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.
2God 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.
3Every one of them has gone back [backslidden and fallen away]; they have altogether become filthy and corrupt; there is none who does good, no, not one. [Rom. 3:10-12.]
4Have those who work evil no knowledge (no understanding)? They eat up My people as they eat bread; they do not call upon God.
5There they are, in terror and dread, where there was [and had been] 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.
6Oh, 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.