Amahubo 127

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

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

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 up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil, for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

3 Khangela, abantwana bayilifa leNkosi, isithelo sesizalo singumvuzo.

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

4 Njengemitshoko esandleni seqhawe, banjalo abantwana bobutsha.

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

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

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