| King James Bible | New International Version |
| 1A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. | 1A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. |
| 2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. | 2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. |
| 3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. | 3Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. |
| 4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. | 4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. |
| 5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. | 5Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. |
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