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.

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

3 B ehold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his 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 who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their 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.