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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.