Psalms 127

1 A Song of the Ascents, by Solomon. If Jehovah doth not build the house, In vain have its builders laboured at it, If Jehovah doth not watch a city, In vain hath a watchman waked.

A song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon. If the Lord doesn't build the house, the work of the builders is futile. If the Lord doesn't guard the city, the work of the guards is pointless.

2 Vain for you who are rising early, Who delay sitting, eating the bread of griefs, So He giveth to His beloved one sleep.

It's useless to get up early in the morning and go to work, and stay late into the evening, worrying about earning enough to eat, when the Lord gives rest to those he loves.

3 Lo, an inheritance of Jehovah [are] sons, A reward [is] the fruit of the womb.

Children certainly are a gift from the Lord, for a family is a blessing.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty one, So [are] the sons of the young men.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of a young man.

5 O the happiness of the man Who hath filled his quiver with them, They are not ashamed, For they speak with enemies in the gate!

Happy is the father who fills his quiver with them! Such fathers will not be embarrassed when they confront their enemies at the city gate.