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