1A Song of Ascents; of Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

2It is vain for you that ye rise early, and sit up late, ye that eat the bread of toil; so He giveth unto His beloved in sleep.

3Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.

4As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of one's youth.

5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them; they shall not be put to shame, when they speak with their enemies in the gate.