In Latin, it is known as "Dixit insipiens in corde suo non est deus",[1] It is described as a maskil or "contemplation of David".

[2] The psalm forms a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant liturgies.

In the New Testament, verses 1–3 are quoted by Paul in Romans 3:10–12,[8] where he argues that Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of God's grace.

In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the evening of the tenth day of the month.

[9] Heinrich Schütz set Psalm 53 in a metred version in German, "Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl", SWV 150, as part of the Becker Psalter, first published in 1628.