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, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

2 It is vain for you that ye rise up early, and so late take rest, and eat the bread of toil: [for] so he giveth unto 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 the LORD: [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 in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

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

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their 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.