Psalms 127

1 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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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

5 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.

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