Psalm 127

¹Unless it is the LORD who builds the house,

the builders’ work is pointless.

Unless it is the LORD who protects the city,

the guard on duty is pointless.

²It is pointless that you get up early and stay up late,

eating the bread of hard labor

because God gives sleep to those he loves.

³No doubt about it: children are a gift from the LORD ;

the fruit of the womb is a divine reward.

⁴The children born when one is young

are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.

⁵The person who fills a quiver full with them is truly happy!

They won’t be ashamed when arguing with their enemies in the gate.