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 psalm of the steps, or the goings up. By Solomon.” Except the LORD build the house, The builders labor in vain; Except the LORD guard the city, The watchman waketh 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.

In vain ye rise up early, and go to rest late, And eat the bread of care! The same giveth he his beloved one in sleep.

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

Behold! sons are an inheritance from the LORD, And the fruit of the womb is his gift.

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

As arrows in the hand of the warrior, So are the sons of young men:

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 the man that hath his quiver full of them! They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with adversaries in the gate.