1A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless Yahweh builds the house, in vain do its builders labor on it; unless Yahweh guards the city, in vain does the watchman keep watch.
2In vain is it for you who rise early, who sit late, eating the bread of toilsome labor — so surely he gives to his beloved sleep.
3Look, children are a heritage from Yahweh; the fruit of the womb is a reward.
4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the sons of one’s youth.
5Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them. They will not be put to shame when they speak with enemies in the gate.