1<> Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.
5Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.