1 A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.Unless the Lord builds the house,they labor in vain who build it.Unless the Lord watches over the city,the watchman guards it in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,to stay up late,eating the bread of toil;for he gives sleep to his loved ones.

3 Behold, children are a heritage of the Lord.The fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man,so are the children of youth.

5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.