1 Unless the Lord builds the house,the builders labour in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city,the guards stand watch in vain.
2 In vain you rise earlyand stay up late,toiling for food to eat –for he grants sleep to those he loves.
3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warriorare children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the manwhose quiver is full of them.They will not be put to shamewhen they contend with their opponents in court.