Psalm 127

Nisi Dominus
1
Unless the Lord builds the house, *
their labor is in vain who build it.
2
Unless the Lord watches over the city, *
in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3
It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4
Children are a heritage from the Lord, *
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children of one’s youth.
6
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *
he shall not be put to shame
when he contends with his enemies in the gate.