Psalms 127

1 A Song of Ascents. Solomon’s. If, Yahweh, build not the house, in vain, have the builders of it toiled thereon, If, Yahweh, watch not the city, in vain, hath the watchman kept awake:

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.

2 Vain for you, —to be early in rising, to be late in lying down, to be eating the bread of wearisome toil, So, would he give his beloved one sleep.

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.

3 Lo! an inheritance from Yahweh, are children, A reward, the fruit of the womb:

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

4 As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so, are the children of young men.

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

5 How happy the man who hath filled his quiver with them! They will not be ashamed, but will speak with enemies in the gate.

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.