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