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

Except 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 come home late, to eat the bread of sorrows, because he shall give his beloved sleep.

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

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

4 A s arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the young men.

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

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

Happy, 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.