Psalms 127

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[1]The vanity of human endeavours without God's blessing. [3]Children are God's good gift.

A Song of degrees for Solomon.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5. Happy 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.

Metrical version

Psalm 127

C.M.

Except the LORD do build the house,
the builders lose their pain:
Except the LORD the city keep,
the watchmen watch in vain.

'Tis vain for you to rise betimes,
or late from rest to keep,
To feed on sorrows' bread; so gives
he his beloved sleep.

Lo, children are GOD's heritage,
the womb's fruit his reward.
The sons of youth as arrows are,
for strong men's hands prepared.

O happy is the man that hath
his quiver filled with those;
They unashamed in the gate
shall speak unto their foes.