Psalms 127

1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh 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 to rise early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth 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] a 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 [are] in the hand of a mighty man: so [are] children of the 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, but they shall speak with the 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.