Psalms 127

1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain.

A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved 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 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

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

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

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

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

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