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. Solomon’s. If, Yahweh, build not the house, in vain, have the builders of it toiled thereon, If, Yahweh, watch not the city, in vain, hath the watchman kept awake:

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.

Vain for you, —to be early in rising, to be late in lying down, to be eating the bread of wearisome toil, So, would he give his beloved one sleep.

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

Lo! an inheritance from Yahweh, are children, A reward, the fruit of the womb:

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

As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so, are the children 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.

How happy the man who hath filled his quiver with them! They will not be ashamed, but will speak with enemies in the gate.