1 U nless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

¶ Unless the LORD builds the house, they labour in vain that build it; unless the LORD keeps the city, the watchmen watch in vain.

2 I t is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to come home late, to eat the bread of sorrows, because he shall give his beloved sleep.

3 L o, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Behold, sons are a heritage of the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is to be desired.

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

As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the young men.

5 H appy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.

Happy is the man that has filled his quiver with them: he shall not be ashamed when he speaks with the enemies in the gate.