1Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord guards the city,

the guard keeps watch in vain.*

2It is in vain that you rise up early

and go late to rest,

eating the bread of anxious toil,

for he gives sleep to his beloved.s^,*

3Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord,

the fruit of the womb a reward.*

4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the sons of one’s youth.

5Happy is the man who has

his quiver full of them.

He shall not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.*