1  Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:

2  It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.

3  Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, [and] the fruit of the womb a reward.

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

5  Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.