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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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 who has filled his desire from these things. He will not be confounded when he speaks to his enemies at the gate.