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.