The Psalms of David ‎#CXXVII

CXXVII. We build with fruitless Toil and Cost

1 We build with fruitless Toil and Cost,
Unless the LORD the Pile sustain;
Unless the LORD the City keeps,
The Watchman waketh but in vain.

2 In vain we rise before the Dawn;
In vain we late to Rest repair;
Allow no Respite to our Toil,
And daily eat the Bread of Care.

3 Supplies of Life, with Ease to them,
The LORD to all his Saints bestows;
He crowns their Labours with Success,
Their Nights with Peace and soft Repose.

4 Children, those Comforts of our Life,
Are Presents from the bounteous LORD;
He gives a num'rous Race of Heirs,
Of Piety the sweet Reward.

5 As Arrows in a Giant's Hand,
When marching forth, equipp'd for War,
Ev'n so the Sons of sprightly Youth
Their Parents hopeful Safeguard are.

5 Happy the Man whose Quivers are
Replete with those prevailing Arms!
He need not fear to meet his Foe,
In Strifes of Law, or War's Alarms.

Text Information

• First Line: We build with fruitless Toil and Cost
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1767
• Scripture:
  Psalm 127
• Topic: Description of: Necessity of God's Aid and Blessing in our Undertakings

Tune Information

• Name: [We build with fruitless Toil and Cost]
• Key: C Major