Psalms 127

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

A Song of the going up. Of Solomon. If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.

2 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.

It is of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep.

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

See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward.

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

Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.

5 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.

Happy is the man who has a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.