Psalm 127–128

In Praise of God’s Goodnessⁱ

127 If the Lord does not build the house,

the work of the builders is useless;

if the Lord does not protect the city,

it is useless for the sentries to stand guard.

²It is useless to work so hard for a living,

getting up early and going to bed late.

For the Lord provides for those he loves,

while they are asleep.

³Children are a gift from the Lord;

they are a real blessing.

⁴The sons a man has when he is young

are like arrows in a soldier’s hand.

⁵Happy is the man who has many such arrows.

He will never be defeated

when he meets his enemies in the place of judgement.

The Reward of Obedience to the

128Happy are those who obey the Lord,

who live by his commands.

²Your work will provide for your needs;

you will be happy and prosperous.

³Your wife will be like a fruitful vine in your home,

and your children will be like young olive trees round your table.

⁴A man who obeys the Lord

will surely be blessed like this.

⁵May the Lord bless you from Zion!

May you see Jerusalem prosper

all the days of your life!

⁶May you live to see your grandchildren!

Peace be with Israel!