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 Canticle in steps: of Solomon. Unless the Lord has built the house, those who build it have labored in vain. Unless the Lord has guarded the city, he who guards it watches in vain.

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 in vain that you rise before daylight, that you rise up after you have sat down, you who chew the bread of sorrow. Whereas, to his beloved, he will give sleep.

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

Behold, the inheritance of the Lord is sons, the reward is the fruit of the womb.

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 the powerful, so are the sons of those who have been cast out.

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.

Blessed is the man who has filled his desire from these things. He will not be confounded when he speaks to his enemies at the gate.