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.

1 'n Bedevaartslied. Van Salomo. As die HERE die huis nie bou nie, tevergeefs werk die wat daaraan bou; as die HERE die stad nie bewaar nie, tevergeefs waak die wagter.

2 Tevergeefs dat julle vroeg opstaan, laat opbly, brood van smarte eet -- net so goed gee Hy dit aan sy beminde in die slaap!

3 Kyk, seuns is 'n erfdeel van die HERE; die vrug van die moederskoot is 'n beloning.

4 Soos pyle in die hand van 'n held, so is die seuns van die jeug.

5 Gelukkig is die man wat sy pylkoker daarmee gevul het! Hulle sal nie beskaamd staan as hulle met die vyande in die poort spreek nie.