Psalms 127

1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

Unless Jehovah builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless Jehovah guards the city, the watchman wake but in vain.

2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of toil, for so he gives sleep to his beloved.

3 Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

Lo, sons are a heritage of Jehovah, and the fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.

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

5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They shall not be put to shame when they speak with their enemies in the gate.