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 ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes 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 you rise early, and finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.

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

Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.

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

Like arrows wielded by warriors, are the children of youth.

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 who has filled his quiver full of them. He will not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.