Psalmorum 127

1 canticum graduum Salomonis nisi Dominus aedificaverit domum in vanum laboraverunt qui aedificant eam nisi Dominus custodierit civitatem frustra vigilavit qui custodit

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes in vain.

2 vanum est vobis ante lucem surgere surgere postquam sederitis qui manducatis panem doloris cum dederit dilectis suis somnum

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 ecce hereditas Domini filii mercis fructus ventris

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

4 sicut sagittae in manu potentis ita filii excussorum

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

5 beatus vir qui implebit desiderium suum ex ipsis non confundentur cum loquentur inimicis suis in porta

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