A Song of degrees
for Solomon
. Except the LORD
build
the house
, they labour
in vain
that build
it: except the LORD
keep
the city
, the watchman
waketh
but in vain
.
It is vain for you to rise up
early
, to sit up
late
, to eat
the bread
of sorrows
: for so he giveth
his beloved
sleep
.
Lo, children are an heritage
of the LORD
: and the fruit
of the womb
is his reward
.
As arrows are in the hand
of a mighty man
; so are children
of the youth
.
Happy is the man
that hath his quiver
full
of them: they shall not be ashamed
, but they shall speak
with the enemies
in the gate
.