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, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes 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 finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.

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

Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.

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

Like arrows wielded by warriors, are the children of 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.

Happy the man who has filled his quiver full of them. He will not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.