Psalms 127

1 A Song of degrees. Of Solomon. Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

“A psalm of the steps, or the goings up. By Solomon.” Except the LORD build the house, The builders labor in vain; Except the LORD guard the city, The watchman waketh in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.

In vain ye rise up early, and go to rest late, And eat the bread of care! The same giveth he his beloved one in sleep.

3 Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, [and] the fruit of the womb a reward.

Behold! sons are an inheritance from the LORD, And the fruit of the womb is his gift.

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

As arrows in the hand of the warrior, So are the sons of young men:

5 Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.

Happy the man that hath his quiver full of them! They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with adversaries in the gate.