1A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD shall build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD shall keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain.
2[It is] vain for you to rise early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: [for] so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3Lo, children [are] a heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward.
4As arrows [are] in the hand of a mighty man: so [are] children of the youth.
5Happy [is] the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.