God sees corruption throughout the world, even among his people.
God looks down from heaven … to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God.
But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. Psalm 53:2-3
The source of corruption is our turning from God. Our hearts become fixed on something that is not God. These may be neutral, but lack the renewing power of God. In neglecting the source of life we become corrupted.
People react to corruption by distancing from sources of corruption, but Jesus ate and drank with sinners. Corruption is overcome through knowing and being with God.
Will those who do evil never learn? They eat up my people like bread and wouldn’t think of praying to God. Psalm 53:4
Corruption is lived out in the way we treat people. We have needs and use people to fulfil them rather than depending on God in prayer. In this way we consume God’s people.
Terror will grip them, … You will put them to shame, for God has rejected them. Psalm 53:5
The outcome of this abuse of people created by God is both terror and shame, an end that all of us deserve.
When God restores his people, Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice. Psalm 53:6
Thankfully God rescues us – both from ourselves and others. When others are oppressing us, who can say their hands are clean? His rescue, through Jesus’ sacrifice, brings shouts of joy instead of our deserved terror and shame.
For a fuller study – God deals with corruption