Psalms 127

1 A Song of Degrees. Except the Lord build the house, they that build labor in vain: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches in vain.

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.

2 It is vain for you to rise early: you rise up after resting, you that eat the bread of grief; while he gives sleep to his beloved.

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.

3 Behold, the inheritance of the Lord, children, the reward of the fruit of the womb.

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

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man; so are the children of those who were outcasts.

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

5 Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them: they shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.

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.