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.

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.

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.

It 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.

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

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

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

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the 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.

Happy 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.