2Unless the Lord watches over the city, *
in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4Children are a heritage from the Lord, *
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children of one’s youth.
6Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *
he shall not be put to shame
when he contends with his enemies in the gate.
128Beati omnes
1Happy are they all who fear the Lord, *
and who follow in his ways!
2You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *
happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *
your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4The man who fears the Lord *
shall thus indeed be blessed.
5The Lord bless you from Zion, *
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6May you live to see your children’s children; *
may peace be upon Israel.
