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 for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh 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, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

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

Lo, children [are] a heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

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

As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man: so [are] children of the 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 that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.