UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE HOUSE

Psalm 127:1-5 / Keywords 127:1

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,

    the builders labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

    the guards stand watch in vain.

2 In vain you rise early

    and stay up late,

toiling for food to eat—

    for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.

3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,

    offspring a reward from him.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior

    are children born in one’s youth.

5 Blessed is the man

    whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame

    when they contend with their opponents in court.

Footnotes

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

 

1. When the Lord builds (1-2). Even though we work hard to build a happy home and a secure life, we work in vain if we leave God out. Without God’s blessing, our happy home becomes a miserable home. We want to live in peace and security. Peace and security come from God, not from insurance, a big bank account, or a job with good benefits. No family can hold itself together and be fruitful unless God watches over and establishes it.

 

2. Sons are a heritage from the Lord (3-5). God is the one who gives children. They belong to him. He gives physical children and he gives spiritual children. It is not easy to raise children in a crooked and corrupt world, but God's blessings are not necessarily easy to bear. There are many enemies who work to destroy God’s children. We need God's help to raise children to be a blessing to us and to their generation.

 

Prayer Lord, you are building your house. Let me be a part of your work. Help me to bear the blessings you give so that your name may be glorified.

One Word Unless the Lord builds the house