A Song of degrees for Solomon.

¹ ¶ Unless the LORD builds the house, they labour in vain that build it; unless the LORD keeps the city, the watchmen watch in vain.

² It is vain for you to rise up early, to come home late, to eat the bread of sorrows, because he shall give his beloved sleep.

³ Behold, sons are a heritage of the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is to be desired.

⁴ As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the young men.

⁵ Happy is the man that has filled his quiver with them: he shall not be ashamed when he speaks with the enemies in the gate.