1Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but 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. 3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD; and the fruit of the womb is His reward. 4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of one's {the} youth. 5Happy is the man who hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.