Old Testament

Psalm 127
Psalm 127
The Lord Builds the House
A song of the ascents. By Solomon.
1If the Lord does not build the house,
it is useless for the builders to work hard over it.
If the Lord does not watch over the city,
it is useless for the watchman to stand guard.
2It is useless for you to get up early and to work late,
worrying about bread to eat,
because God grants sleep to the one he loves.[]
3Indeed, children are a heritage from the Lord.
The fruit of the womb is a reward from him.
4Sons born during one's youth are like arrows
in the hand of a warrior.
5How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they dispute with enemies at the city gate.[]

Footnotes

  • 127:2 Or he can provide for those he loves even when they sleep
  • 127:5 The city gatehouse was the equivalent of our present-day courthouse.