Psalms 127

1 Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman wakes but 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 sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he gives his beloved sleep.

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 See, children are an heritage of the LORD: and 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 are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

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

5 Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the 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.