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 Yahweh builds the house, they work uselessly, those who build it. Unless Yahweh guards the city, the watchman stands guard uselessly.

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 useless for you to rise up early, to come home late, or to eat the bread of hard work, for Yahweh provides for his beloved as they sleep.

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

See, children are a heritage from Yahweh, and the fruit of the womb is a reward from him.

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

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's 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.

How blessed is the man that has his quiver full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts his enemies in the gate.