1 If the Lord doesn't build a house, the work of its builders is useless. If the Lord doesn't watch over a city, it's useless for those on guard duty to stand watch over it.
2 It's useless for you to work from early morning until late at night just to get food to eat. God provides for those he loves even while they sleep.
3 Children are a gift from the Lord. They are a reward from him.
4 Children who are born to people when they are young are like arrows in the hands of a soldier.