Psalms 127

1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain.

A Canticle in steps: of Solomon. Unless the Lord has built the house, those who build it have labored in vain. Unless the Lord has guarded the city, he who guards it watches in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

It is in vain that you rise before daylight, that you rise up after you have sat down, you who chew the bread of sorrow. Whereas, to his beloved, he will give sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Behold, the inheritance of the Lord is sons, the reward is the fruit of the womb.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Like arrows in the hand of the powerful, so are the sons of those who have been cast out.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Blessed is the man who has filled his desire from these things. He will not be confounded when he speaks to his enemies at the gate.