A Song of degrees for Solomon.
1 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.
2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows:
For so he giveth his beloved sleep.
3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
And the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;
So are children of the youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:
They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.