Unless the Lord Builds the House

^{A SONG OF ASCENTS. OF SOLOMON.} 

¹ Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

² It 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.

³ Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.

⁵ Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.