PSALM 127 [†] Unless the LORD builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the LORD  x watches over the city,

the watchman stays awake in vain.

2 It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious  y toil;

for he gives to his  z beloved  a sleep.

3[†] Behold,  b children are a heritage from the LORD,

 c the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 Like arrows in the hand of  d a warrior

are the children [1] of one’s youth.

5[†] Blessed is the man

who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies  e in the gate. [2]

A Song of  m Ascents.