127 1 He showeth that the whole estate of the world, both domestical and political, standeth by God’s mere providence and blessing, 3 And that to have children well nurtured, is an especial grace and gift of God.

A song of degrees, or Psalm of Solomon.

Except the Lord [a]build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the [b]city, the keeper watcheth in vain.

It is in vain for [c]you to rise early, and to lie down late, and eat the bread [d]of sorrow: but he will surely give [e]rest to his beloved.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 127:1 That is, govern and dispose all things pertaining to the family.
  2. Psalm 127:1 The public estate of the commonwealth.
  3. Psalm 127:2 Which watch and ward, and are also magistrates, and rulers of the city.
  4. Psalm 127:2 Either that which is gotten by hard labor, or eaten with grief of mind.
  5. Psalm 127:2 Not exempting them from labor, but making their labors comfortable, and as it were a rest.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

Unless the Lord builds(A) the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches(B) over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early
    and stay up late,
toiling for food(C) to eat—
    for he grants sleep(D) to[a] those he loves.(E)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 127:2 Or eat— / for while they sleep he provides for