A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord guards the city,
the watchman wakes in vain.
2 In vain you rise early,
and finish so late,
and so eat sorrow's bread;
for he cares for his loved ones
in their sleep.
3 Children are a gift of the Lord ,
the fruit of the womb, a reward.
4 Like arrows wielded by warriors,
are the children of youth.
5 Happy the man who has filled
his quiver full of them.
He will not be ashamed when he speaks
with enemies in the gate.