1 U nless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchman guards it 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 stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

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, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.

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 children of youth.

As arrows are 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 won’t be disappointed when they speak with their 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.