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Psalm 53: Dixit insipiens

Book of Common Prayer (1979), page 658. In the 30-day Psalter it is read on day 10, at Evening Prayer.

1

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." *

All are corrupt and commit abominable acts;

there is none who does any good.

2

God looks down from heaven upon us all, *

to see if there is any who is wise,

if there is one who seeks after God.

3

Every one has proved faithless;

all alike have turned bad; *

there is none who does good; no, not one.

4

Have they no knowledge, those evildoers *

who eat up my people like bread

and do not call upon God?

5

See how greatly they tremble,

such trembling as never was; *

for God has scattered the bones of the enemy;

they are put to shame, because God has rejected them.

6

Oh, that Israel's deliverance would come out of Zion! *

when God restores the fortunes of his people

Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.

When it is appointed