Psalms 127

1 A song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon. If the Lord doesn't build the house, the work of the builders is futile. If the Lord doesn't guard the city, the work of the guards is pointless.

“A psalm of the steps, or the goings up. By Solomon.” Except the LORD build the house, The builders labor in vain; Except the LORD guard the city, The watchman waketh in vain.

2 It's useless to get up early in the morning and go to work, and stay late into the evening, worrying about earning enough to eat, when the Lord gives rest to those he loves.

In vain ye rise up early, and go to rest late, And eat the bread of care! The same giveth he his beloved one in sleep.

3 Children certainly are a gift from the Lord, for a family is a blessing.

Behold! sons are an inheritance from the LORD, And the fruit of the womb is his gift.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of a young man.

As arrows in the hand of the warrior, So are the sons of young men:

5 Happy is the father who fills his quiver with them! Such fathers will not be embarrassed when they confront their enemies at the city gate.

Happy the man that hath his quiver full of them! They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with adversaries in the gate.