Psalms 127

1 A Song of Degrees. Except the Lord build the house, they that build labour in vain: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches in vain.

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.

2 It is vain for you to rise early: you rise up after resting, you that eat the bread of grief; while he gives sleep to his beloved.

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.

3 Behold, the inheritance of the Lord, children, the reward of the fruit of the womb.

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

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man; so are the children of those who were outcasts.

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

5 Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them: they shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.

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.