[A Solomonic song of ascents.] Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.

In vain you get up early and stay up late, eating food earned by hard work; certainly He gives sleep to the one He loves.

Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, children, a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth.

Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. Such men will never be put to shame when they speak with [their] enemies at the city gate.