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.

A Song of the Ascents, by Solomon. If Jehovah doth not build the house, In vain have its builders laboured at it, If Jehovah doth not watch a city, In vain hath a watchman waked.

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.

Vain for you who are rising early, Who delay sitting, eating the bread of griefs, So He giveth to His beloved one sleep.

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

Lo, an inheritance of Jehovah sons, A reward the fruit of the womb.

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

As arrows in the hand of a mighty one, So the sons of the young men.

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.

O the happiness of the man Who hath filled his quiver with them, They are not ashamed, For they speak with enemies in the gate!