1Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the watchman stays awake in vain.

2It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil;

fora he gives to his beloved sleep.

3Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.

4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the sons of one's youth.

5Happy is the man who has

his quiver full of them!

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.