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 the Ascents, by Solomon. If Jehovah doth not build the house, In vain have its builders laboured at it, If Jehovah doth not watch a city, In vain hath a watchman waked.

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 who are rising early, Who delay sitting, eating the bread of griefs, So He giveth to His beloved one sleep.

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

Lo, an inheritance of Jehovah [are] sons, A reward [is] 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 mighty one, So [are] the sons of the 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.

O the happiness of the man Who hath filled his quiver with them, They are not ashamed, For they speak with enemies in the gate!