1Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.2In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to[1] those he loves.3Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.4Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.5Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
1A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. (Ps 120:1; Ps 121:4)2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Ge 3:17; Ge 3:19; Ps 60:5; Mr 4:26)3Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. (Ge 33:5; De 28:4; Ps 132:11)4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children[1] of one’s youth. (Ps 120:4)5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.[2] (Job 5:4)