Zabbuli 127

1 Oluyimba nga balinnya amadaala. Lwa Sulemaani. Mukama bw’atazimba nnyumba, abo abagizimba bazimbira bwereere. Mukama bw’atakuuma kibuga, abakuumi bateganira bwereere.

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 Oteganira bwereere bw’okeera mu makya n’okola, ate n’olwawo n’okwebaka ng’okolerera ekyokulya; kubanga Mukama abaagalwa be abawa otulo.

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 Abaana aboobulenzi kya bugagga okuva eri Mukama; era abaana mpeera gy’agaba okuva gy’ali.

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

4 Ng’obusaale bwe bubeera mu mukono gw’omulwanyi, n’abaana abazaalibwa mu buvubuka bw’omuntu bwe bali bwe batyo.

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

5 Alina omukisa omuntu oyo ajjuzza ensawo ye n’obusaale, kubanga tebaliswazibwa; balyolekera abalabe baabwe mu mulyango omunene.

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