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 degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep 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.

[It is] vain for you to rise early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.

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

Lo, children [are] a heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

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

As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man: so [are] children of the 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 [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.