Psalms 127

1 A Song of Ascents; of Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

A Song of the going up. Of Solomon. If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.

2 It is vain for you that ye rise early, and sit up late, ye that eat the bread of toil; so He giveth unto His beloved in sleep.

It is of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep.

3 Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.

See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward.

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

Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be put to shame, when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Happy is the man who has a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.