Psalm 127-128

New International Version

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

¹Unless the Lord builds^(A) the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches^(B) over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
²In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food^(C) to eat—
    for he grants sleep^(D) to^[a] those he loves.^(E)

³Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward^(F) from him.
⁴Like arrows^(G) in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
⁵Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.^(H)
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents^(I) in court.^(J)

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

¹Blessed are all who fear the Lord,^(K)
    who walk in obedience to him.^(L)
²You will eat the fruit of your labor;^(M)
    blessings and prosperity^(N) will be yours.
³Your wife will be like a fruitful vine^(O)
    within your house;
your children^(P) will be like olive shoots^(Q)
    around your table.
⁴Yes, this will be the blessing^(R)
    for the man who fears the Lord.^(S)

⁵May the Lord bless you from Zion;^(T)
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem^(U)
    all the days of your life.
⁶May you live to see your children’s children—^(V)
    peace be on Israel.^(W)