1A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.
1Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.
2It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
3Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are children born in one’s youth.
4Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
5Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. He will not be put to shame when he confronts the enemies at the gate.
5How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
