1 E xcept the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders work for nothing. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the men who watch over it stay awake for nothing.

2 I t 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.

You rise up early, and go to bed late, and work hard for your food, all for nothing. For the Lord gives to His loved ones even while they sleep.

3 L o, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

See, children are a gift from the Lord. The children born to us are our special reward.

4 A s arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

The children of a young man are like arrows in the hand of a soldier.

5 H appy 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.

Happy is the man who has many of them. They will not be put to shame when they speak in the gate with those who hate them.