1Unlessthe LORDbuildsthe house,They laborin vainwho buildit; Unlessthe LORDguardsthe city,The watchmankeepsawakein vain.
2It is vainfor you to riseup early,To retirelate,To eatthe breadof painfullabors;For He givesto His beloved[even in his] sleep.
3Behold,childrenare a giftof the LORD,The fruitof the wombis a reward.
4Like arrowsin the handof a warrior,Soare the childrenof one's youth.
5How blessedis the manwhosequiveris fullof them; They will not be ashamedWhenthey speakwith their enemiesin the gate.