1A 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.2It 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.3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.5Happy 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.
Psalm 127
English Standard Version
Unless the Lord Builds the House
1A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Ps 120:1; Ps 121:4)2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Ge 3:17; Ge 3:19; Ps 60:5; Mr 4:26)3Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. (Ge 33:5; De 28:4; Ps 132:11)4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children[1] of one’s youth. (Ps 120:4)5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.[2] (Job 5:4)