1 E xcept the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; except the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.

2 I t is vain for you to rise up early, to take rest late, to eat the bread of toil—for He gives to His beloved in sleep.

3 B ehold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 A s arrows are in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.

5 H appy, blessed, and fortunate is the man whose quiver is filled with them! They will not be put to shame when they speak with their adversaries at the gate.