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 ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes in vain.

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

In vain you rise early, and finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.

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

Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.

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

Like arrows wielded by warriors, are the children 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 the man who has filled his quiver full of them. He will not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.