Psalm 127

₁Unless 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.

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.

₃Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

₄Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the children of one’s youth.

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.