Psalms 127

1 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.

[A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.] Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.

2 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.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

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

Look, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of the powerful, so are the sons of those who have been cast out.

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

5 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.

Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.