Psalms 127

1 A Song of degrees. Of Solomon. Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved.

3 Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, [and] the fruit of the womb a reward.

Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.