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 psalm of the steps, or the goings up. By Solomon.” Except the LORD build the house, The builders labor in vain; Except the LORD guard the city, The watchman waketh 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.

In vain ye rise up early, and go to rest late, And eat the bread of care! The same giveth he his beloved one in sleep.

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

Behold! sons are an inheritance from the LORD, And the fruit of the womb is his gift.

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 the warrior, So are the sons of young men:

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.

Happy the man that hath his quiver full of them! They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with adversaries in the gate.