1<A Song of the going up. Of Solomon.> If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.

2It is of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep.

3See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward.

4Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.

5Happy is the man who has a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.