Unless the Lord Builds the House

127 A Song of mAscents. Of Solomon.

1  Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord xwatches over the city,

the watchman stays awake in vain.

2  It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious ytoil;

for he gives to his zbeloved asleep.

3  Behold, bchildren are a heritage from the Lord,

cthe fruit of the womb a reward.

4  Like arrows in the hand of da warrior

are the children1 of one’s youth.

5  Blessed is the man

who fills his quiver with them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies ein the gate.2

Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the Lord

128 A Song of mAscents.

1  fBlessed is everyone who fears the Lord,

who gwalks in his ways!

2  You hshall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;

you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

3  Your wife will be like ia fruitful vine

within your house;

your children will be like jolive shoots

around your table.

4  Behold, thus shall the man be blessed

who fears the Lord.

5  kThe Lord bless you lfrom Zion!

May you see mthe prosperity of Jerusalem

all the days of your life!

6  May you see your nchildren’s children!

oPeace be upon Israel!