Psalms of David - Modern Translation - Psalm 127

Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards keep watch in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late,
toiling for bread with anxious toil—
for He grants rest to His beloved.

Children are a heritage from the Lord,
a gift and a reward from Him.

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one's youth.

Blessed is the one whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their adversaries at the gate.