1 If the Lord does not build the house,

it is useless for the builders to work on it.

If the Lord does not protect a city,

it is useless for the guard to stay alert.

2 It is useless to work hard for the food you eat

by getting up early and going to bed late.

The Lord gives ⌞food⌟ to those he loves while they sleep.

3 Children are an inheritance from the Lord.

They are a reward from him.

4 The children born to a man when he is young

are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.

5 Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them.

He will not be put to shame

when he speaks with his enemies in the city gate.