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. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes 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 you rise early, and finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.

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

Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.

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

Like arrows wielded by warriors, 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.

Happy the man who has filled his quiver full of them. He will not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.