Psalms 127

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

A song of ascents, of Solomon. Unless Yahweh builds the house, they work uselessly, those who build it. Unless Yahweh guards the city, the watchman stands guard uselessly.

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

It is useless for you to rise up early, to come home late, or to eat the bread of hard work, for Yahweh provides for his beloved as they sleep.

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

See, children are a heritage from Yahweh, and the fruit of the womb is a reward from him.

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 the children of one's youth.

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

How blessed is the man that has his quiver full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts his enemies in the gate.