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.
A song for those who go up to Jerusalem to worship the Lord. A psalm of Solomon.
1If the LORD doesn’t build a house, the work of the 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.2It’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.3Children are a gift from the LORD. They are a reward from him.4Children who are born to people when they are young are like arrows in the hands of a soldier.5Blessed are those who have many children. They won’t be put to shame when they go up against their enemies in court.