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.
About Psalm 127
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it — Solomon's psalm against the anxious grind: it 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.
Its second half turns to the household's true wealth: lo, children are an heritage of the LORD... as arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.
The Book of Psalms — summary, themes & key verses
The Bible's prayer book — 150 songs of praise, lament, trust, and honest human need.
