1A Song of Degrees. Except the Lord build the house,
They that build labor in vain:
Except the Lord keep the city,
The watchman watches in vain.

2It is vain for you to rise early:
Ye rise up after resting,
Ye that eat the bread of grief;
While he gives sleep to his beloved.

3Behold, the inheritance of the Lord, children,
The reward of the fruit of the womb.

4As arrows in the hand of a mighty man;
So are the children of those who were outcasts.

5Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them:
They shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.