Psalms 127

1 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.

A Song of Ascents; of Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 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.

It is vain for you that ye rise early, and sit up late, ye that eat the bread of toil; so He giveth unto His beloved in sleep.

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

Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.

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

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of one's youth.

5 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.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be put to shame, when they speak with their enemies in the gate.