1 U nless the Lord builds the house, its builders work for nothing. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the men who watch over it stay awake for nothing.

2 Y ou rise up early, and go to bed late, and work hard for your food, all for nothing. For the Lord gives to His loved ones even while they sleep.

3 S ee, children are a gift from the Lord. The children born to us are our special reward.

4 T he children of a young man are like arrows in the hand of a soldier.

5 H appy is the man who has many of them. They will not be put to shame when they speak in the gate with those who hate them.