1
Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
2
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat -
for he grants sleep to 1 those he loves.
3
Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
4
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one's youth.
5
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.