Show Don't Tell: Psalm 53

Instead of saying "The fool denies God," watch heaven search in vain. Nearly identical to Psalm 14, with minor variations—included in a different collection. "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good." Heart conviction, not intellectual conclusion. "God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one." Universal survey, universal failure. "Do all these evildoers know nothing? They devour my people as though eating bread; they never call on God." Casual cruelty—devouring like daily meals. "But there they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to dread. God scattered the bones of those who attacked you; you put them to shame, for God despised them." Dread where none expected. Bones scattered. "Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!" The longing repeated—salvation from Zion.