1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stay awake in vain.

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is futile for you to rise early and stay up late, eating the bread of toil, for He grants sleep to His beloved.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the womb is a reward.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.

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

5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they confront their enemies at the gate.

Happy 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.