< 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 the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.
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 before light, rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow. When he shall give 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 are children: the reward, 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 the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken.
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 that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.

< Psalms 127 >