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 the going up. Of Solomon. If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.

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 of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep.

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

See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body 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 man of war, are the children of the young.

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.

Happy is the man who has a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.