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.