Psalms 127-129

1Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat— for He gives sleep to His beloved.

3Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.

5Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.

1Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways!

2For when you eat the fruit of your labor, blessings and prosperity will be yours.

3Your wife will be like a fruitful vine flourishing within your house, your sons like olive shoots sitting around your table.

4In this way indeed shall blessing come to the man who fears the LORD.

5May the LORD bless you from Zion, that you may see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life,

6that you may see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!

1Many a time they have persecuted me from my youth— let Israel now declare—

2many a time they have persecuted me from my youth, but they have not prevailed against me.

3The plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long.

4The LORD is righteous; He has cut me from the cords of the wicked.

5May all who hate Zion be turned back in shame.

6May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow,

7unable to fill the hands of the reaper, or the arms of the binder of sheaves.

8May none who pass by say to them, “The blessing of the LORD be on you; we bless you in the name of the LORD.”