| Holman Christian Standard Bible | NET Bible |
| 1A Solomonic song of ascents. Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain. | 1A song of ascents, by Solomon. If the LORD does not build a house, then those who build it work in vain. If the LORD does not guard a city, then the watchman stands guard in vain. |
| 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. | 2It is vain for you to rise early, come home late, and work so hard for your food. Yes, he can provide for those whom he loves even when they sleep. |
| 3Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, children, a reward. | 3Yes, sons are a gift from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. |
| 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth. | 4Sons born during one's youth are like arrows in a warrior's hand. |
| 5Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. Such men will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate. | 5How blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! They will not be put to shame when they confront enemies at the city gate. |
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