A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.

127Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.

2It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

3Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

4Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.

5How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.