1 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.

1 ¶ 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.

2 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.

2 ¶ It is vain for you that ye rise up early, and so late take rest,
And eat the bread of toil:
For so he giveth unto his beloved sleep.

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

3 ¶ Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:
And the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

4 ¶ As arrows in the hand of a mighty man,
So are the children of youth.

5 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.

5 ¶ Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:
They shall not be ashamed,
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.