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, its builders work for nothing. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the men who watch over it stay awake for nothing.

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.

You rise up early, and go to bed late, and work hard for your food, all for nothing. For the Lord gives to His loved ones even while they sleep.

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

See, children are a gift from the Lord. The children born to us are our special reward.

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

The children of a young man are like arrows in the hand of a soldier.

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 who has many of them. They will not be put to shame when they speak in the gate with those who hate them.