128 He showeth that blessedness appertaineth not to all universally, but to them only that fear the Lord, and walk in his ways.

A song of degrees.

Blessed is everyone that feareth the Lord, and walketh in his [a]ways.

When thou eatest the labors of thine [b]hands, thou shalt be blessed, and it shall be well with thee.

Thy wife shall be as the fruitful vine on the sides of thine house, and thy [c]children like the olive plants round about thy table.

Lo, surely thus shall the man be blessed, that feareth the Lord.

The Lord out of Zion shall [d]bless thee, and thou shalt see the wealth of [e]Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 128:1 God approveth not our life, except it be reformed according to his word.
  2. Psalm 128:2 The world esteemeth them happy, which live in wealth and idleness: but the holy Ghost approveth them best that live of the mean profit of their labors.
  3. Psalm 128:3 Because God’s favor appeareth in none outward thing, more than in increase of children, he promiseth to enrich the faithful with this gift.
  4. Psalm 128:5 Because of the spiritual blessing which God hath made to his Church, these temporal things shall be granted.
  5. Psalm 128:5 For except God blessed his Church publicly, this private blessing were nothing.

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord,(A)
    who walk in obedience to him.(B)
You will eat the fruit of your labor;(C)
    blessings and prosperity(D) will be yours.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine(E)
    within your house;
your children(F) will be like olive shoots(G)
    around your table.
Yes, this will be the blessing(H)
    for the man who fears the Lord.(I)

May the Lord bless you from Zion;(J)
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem(K)
    all the days of your life.
May you live to see your children’s children—(L)
    peace be on Israel.(M)