Psalm 127

1 Except Jehovah build the house, They labor in vain that build it: Except Jehovah keep the city, The watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To take rest late, To eat the bread of toil; For so he giveth unto his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah; And the fruit of the womb is his reward.

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

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents, by Solomon.

1 If the Lord does not build a house,
then those who build it work in vain.
If the Lord does not guard a city,
then the watchman stands guard in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise early, come home late,
and work so hard for your food.
Yes, he can provide for those whom he loves even when they sleep.

3 Yes, sons are a gift from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb is a reward.

4 Sons born during one’s youth
are like arrows in a warrior’s hand.

5 How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
They will not be put to shame when they confront enemies at the city gate.