Psalms 53:2

2 God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise and who seeks God.

Psalms 53:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 53:2

God looked down from heaven upon the children of men
In ( Psalms 14:2 ) , it is read, "the Lord" or "Jehovah"; in everything else there is an agreement in this verse; (See Gill on Psalms 14:2);

to see if there were [any] that did understand;
the Targum is, "that were understanding" in the law; it doubtless means understanding in divine and spiritual things;

that did seek God;
the above paraphrase is, "seeking doctrine from before the Lord".

Psalms 53:2 In-Context

1 The fool says in his heart, "God does not exist." They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. There is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise and who seeks God.
3 Everyone has turned aside; they have all become corrupt. There is no one who does good, not even one.
4 Will evildoers never understand? They consume My people as they consume bread; they do not call on God.
5 Then they will be filled with terror- terror like no other- because God will scatter the bones of those who besiege you. You will put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.