Amahubo 127

1 Ingoma yemiqanso. ElikaSolomoni. Ngaphandle kokuba uThixo ayakhe indlu, abakhi bayo basebenzela ize. Ngaphandle kokuba uThixo awulinde umuzi, abalindi bawo balinda ize.

[A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.] Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman guards it in vain.

2 Kuyize ukuvuka kwenu ngovivi liphinde libambe kuze kuhlwe, lisebenzela ukudla kokufaka emlonyeni ngoba upha ubuthongo kulabo abathandayo.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

3 Amadodana ayilifa elivela kuThixo, abantwana bangumvuzo ovela kuye.

Look, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Njengemitshoko esandleni sebutho anjalo amadodana azelwe ngumuntu esesemutsha.

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

5 Ubusisiwe umuntu omxhaka wakhe ugcwele wona. Kayikuyangeka nxa sebedibana lezitha entubeni.

Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.