1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
its builders labor in vain;
unless the LORD protects the city,
its watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for bread to eat—
for He gives sleep to His beloved.
3 Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD,
and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
so are children born in one’s youth.
5 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.