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.