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 Song of Ascents. Solomon’s. If, Yahweh, build not the house, in vain, have the builders of it toiled thereon, If, Yahweh, watch not the city, in vain, hath the watchman kept awake:

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.

Vain for you, —to be early in rising, to be late in lying down, to be eating the bread of wearisome toil, So, would he give his beloved one sleep.

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

Lo! an inheritance from Yahweh, are children, A reward, the fruit of the womb:

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

As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so, are the children 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.

How happy the man who hath filled his quiver with them! They will not be ashamed, but will speak with enemies in the gate.