¹Unless the Lord builds the house,

those who build it labor in vain.

Unless the Lord watches over the city,

the watchman stays awake 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 to his beloved sleep.

³Lo, sons are 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.