¹If the Lord doesn't build the house, the work of the builders is futile. If the Lord doesn't guard the city, the work of the guards is pointless.

²It's useless to get up early in the morning and go to work, and stay late into the evening, worrying about earning enough to eat, when the Lord gives rest to those he loves.

³Children certainly are a gift from the Lord, for a family is a blessing.[#127:3. Literally, “the reward of the fruit of the womb.”]

⁴Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of a young man.

⁵Happy is the father who fills his quiver with them! Such fathers will not be embarrassed when they confront their enemies at the city gate.[#127:5. A container for arrows.; #127:5. “City gate.” The place where judgments were made, similar to a court.]