Psalms 127

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 127

A Song of Ascents by Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house and guards the city, all human effort is useless. Children are a reward from God.

Scripture

Without God, Work Is Useless

Study note

Unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. It is useless to rise early and stay up late. God gives rest to those he loves.

1 If the LORD is not the one building the house, the workers are wasting their time. If the LORD is not the one guarding the city, the guards stay awake for nothing. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 There is no point in getting up before dawn and staying up late, worrying yourself tired over making a living. God gives rest to the people he loves. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Children Are a Blessing

Study note

Children are a heritage from the Lord and a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are the children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

3 Children are truly a gift straight from the LORD. They are a reward he gives. Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 Children born while you are young are like arrows held ready in a warrior's hand. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 How fortunate is the person who has many of them! When they face their enemies in public, they will not be embarrassed. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 127

Without God, all human effort is uselessGod builds the house and guards the cityChildren as a blessing from the LordRest that comes from trusting God

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 127

This psalm is a cure for workaholism and anxiety. Unless the Lord builds, you labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards, you stay up late worrying for nothing. God wants to give you rest. Trust his involvement in your work and your family, and stop carrying loads he never asked you to carry.

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