1 A Song of degrees for Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD keeps the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Lo, children are the inheritance of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of the young.
5 Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.