Psalms 127

1 A Song of Ascents. By Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, they who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.

“A psalm of the steps, or the goings up. By Solomon.” Except the LORD build the house, The builders labor in vain; Except the LORD guard the city, The watchman waketh in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil, for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

In vain ye rise up early, and go to rest late, And eat the bread of care! The same giveth he his beloved one in sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is his reward.

Behold! sons are an inheritance from the LORD, And the fruit of the womb is his gift.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

As arrows in the hand of the warrior, So are the sons of young men:

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They will not be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Happy the man that hath his quiver full of them! They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with adversaries in the gate.