1 Unless the Lord builds the house,

They labor in vain who build it;

Unless the Lord guards the city,

The watchman keeps awake in vain. [Ps 121:1, 3, 5]

2 It is vain for you to rise early,

To retire late,

To eat the bread of anxious labors—

For He gives [blessings] to His beloved even in his sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage and gift from the Lord,

The fruit of the womb a reward. [Deut 28:4]

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth.

5 How blessed [happy and fortunate] is the man whose quiver is filled with them;

They will not be ashamed

When they speak with their enemies [in gatherings] at the [city] gate.