1 A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless Adonai builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless Adonai watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise up early and stay up late, eating the bread of toil— for He provides for His beloved ones even in their sleep.
3 Behold, children are a heritage of Adonai —the fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of one’s youth.
5 Happy is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the gate.