Psalms 127

1 A Song of Degrees. Except the Lord build the house, they that build labour in vain: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches in vain.

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 vain for you to rise early: you rise up after resting, you that eat the bread of grief; while he gives sleep to his beloved.

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

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

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man; so are the children of those who were outcasts.

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

5 Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them: they shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.

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