1Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it.

2It is vain for you to rise before light, rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow. When he shall give sleep to his beloved,

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

4As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken.

5Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.