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 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 that ye rise early, and sit up late, ye that eat the bread of toil; so He giveth unto His beloved in 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 a heritage of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is 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 one's youth.

Like arrows wielded by warriors, are the children of youth.

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