1 U nless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

2 I t is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.

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

4 L ike arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth.

5 H appy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.