Psalms, 127

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

1. Unless the Lord builds the house, in vain do its builders labor. Unless the Lord guards the city, in vain does the guard stay awake.

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

2. It is in vain that you rise early and stay up late, putting off your rest, toiling for your hard-earned bread; God gives it to his loved ones, and they sleep.

3. Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.

3. Sons are a gift from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.

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

4. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are the sons of one's 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.

5. Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with arrows of this kind, their foes will not silence them when they contend in court.