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 Degrees. Except the Lord build the house, they that build labour in vain: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches 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 early: ye rise up after resting, ye that eat the bread of grief; while he gives sleep to his beloved.

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

Behold, the inheritance of the Lord, children, the reward of the fruit of the womb.

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 children of those who were outcasts.

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.

Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them: they shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.