Amahubo 127

1 Uba iNkosi ingayakhi indlu, basebenzela ize kiyo abayakhayo. Uba iNkosi ingawulondolozi umuzi, umlindi ulindela ize.

Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.

2 Kuyize kini ukuthi livuke ngovivi, lihlale kuze kube sebusuku, lidle ukudla kosizi; ngokunjalo iyamnika ubuthongo othandiweyo wayo.

It is vain for you to rise before light, rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow. When he shall give sleep to his beloved,

3 Khangela, abantwana bayilifa leNkosi, isithelo sesizalo singumvuzo.

Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb.

4 Njengemitshoko esandleni seqhawe, banjalo abantwana bobutsha.

As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken.

5 Ibusisiwe indoda egcwalise umxhaka wayo ngabo; kabayikuyangeka ngoba bazakhuluma lezitha esangweni.

Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.