Psalms 127

1 Except YHWH build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except YHWH keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of YHWH: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

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

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.

5 Joyful is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.