The Blessing of the Lord

A Solomonic •song of ascents.

1Unless the LORD builds a house,

its builders labor over it in vain;a

unless the LORD watches over a city,

the watchman stays alert in vain.b

2In vain you get up early and stay up late,

working hard to have enough food — 

yes, He gives sleep to the one He loves.c, d

3Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD,

children, a reward.e

4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the sons born in one’s youth.f

5Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.g

Such men will never be put to shame

when they speak with their enemies at the city •gate.h