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.

A Song of the going up. Of Solomon. If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.

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

It is of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep.

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

See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward.

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

Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.

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 a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.