127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
  1Unless the Lord builds the house,
   the builders labor in vain.
  Unless the Lord watches over the city,
   the guards stand watch in vain.
  2In vain you rise early
   and stay up late,
  toiling for food to eat—
   for he grants sleep to⚓ those he loves.

  3Children are a heritage from the Lord,
   offspring a reward from him.
  4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
   are children born in one’s youth.
  5Blessed is the man
   whose quiver is full of them.
  They will not be put to shame
   when they contend with their opponents in court.

127

Laboring and Prospering with the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.
  1Unless the Lord builds the house,
   They labor in vain who build it;
   Unless ⚓the Lord guards the city,
   The watchman stays awake in vain.
    2It 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.
   3Behold, ⚓children are a heritage from the Lord,
   ⚓The fruit of the womb is a ⚓reward.
    4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
   So are the children of one’s youth.
    5⚓Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
   ⚓They shall not be ashamed,
   But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.