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. Unless Yahweh builds the house, they work uselessly, those who build it. Unless Yahweh guards the city, the watchman stands guard uselessly.

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 useless for you to rise up early, to come home late, or to eat the bread of hard work, for Yahweh provides for his beloved as they sleep.

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

See, children are a heritage from Yahweh, and the fruit of the womb is a reward from him.

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

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, 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.

How blessed is the man that has his quiver full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts his enemies in the gate.