Old Testament
Psalms 127
Overview
A wisdom psalm of Solomon teaching that all human labor is vain unless the LORD builds the house and guards the city. It exposes the futility of anxious toil and lost sleep, then celebrates God's gifts—rest given to His beloved, and children, who are a heritage and reward from the LORD, like arrows in a warrior's hand.
1A Song of degrees for Solomon. 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.