A song of ascents. Of Solomon.
Unless the Lord
builds the house,
its builders labor in vain;
unless the Lord
protects the city,
its watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for bread to eat —
for He gives
sleep
to His beloved.
Children are indeed
a heritage from the Lord,
and the fruit of the womb
is His reward.
Like arrows
in the hand of a warrior,
so are children
born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
He will not be put to shame
when he confronts
the enemies
at the gate.