1 If the Lord does not build the house,the work of the builders is useless;if the Lord does not protect the city,it does no good for the sentries to stand guard.
2 It is useless to work so hard for a living,getting up early and going to bed late.For the Lord provides for those he loves,while they are asleep.
3 Children are a gift from the Lord;they are a real blessing.
4 The sons a man has when he is youngare like arrows in a soldier's hand.
5 Happy is the man who has many such arrows.He will never be defeatedwhen he meets his enemies in the place of judgment.