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 labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman keeps awake 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 retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.

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

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

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

Like 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 won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate.