1Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman wakes in vain.
2In vain you rise early, and finish so late, and so eat sorrow’s bread; for he cares for his loved ones in their sleep.
3Children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.
4Like arrows, by warriors wielded, are the children of youth.
5Happy the man who has filled his quiver full of them. He shall not be ashamed when he speaks with enemies in the gate.