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 psalm of the steps, or the goings up. By Solomon.” Except the LORD build the house, The builders labor in vain; Except the LORD guard the city, The watchman waketh 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.

In vain ye rise up early, and go to rest late, And eat the bread of care! The same giveth he his beloved one in sleep.

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

Behold! sons are an inheritance from the LORD, And the fruit of the womb is his gift.

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

As arrows in the hand of the warrior, So are the sons of young men:

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.

Happy the man that hath his quiver full of them! They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with adversaries in the gate.