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. Solomon’s. If, Yahweh, build not the house, in vain, have the builders of it toiled thereon, If, Yahweh, watch not the city, in vain, hath the watchman kept awake:

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.

Vain for you, —to be early in rising, to be late in lying down, to be eating the bread of wearisome toil, So, would he give his beloved one sleep.

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

Lo! an inheritance from Yahweh, are children, A reward, the fruit of the womb:

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 warrior, so, are the children 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.

How happy the man who hath filled his quiver with them! They will not be ashamed, but will speak with enemies in the gate.