1 A Song of the going up. Of Solomon. If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.2 It is of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep.3 See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward.4 Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.5 Happy is the man who has a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.

1 Except Jehovah build the house,

They labor in vain that build it:

Except Jehovah keep the city,

The watchman waketh but in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early,

To take rest late,

To eat the bread of toil;

For so he giveth unto his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are a heritage of Jehovah;

And the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man,

So are the children of youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:

They shall not be put to shame,

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.