1. A Song of Ascents, for Solomon. If Jehovah does not build the house, they who build it labor in vain; if Jehovah does not keep the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2. It is in vain for you to rise early, sit up late, to eat the bread of toils; for so He gives His beloved sleep.
3. Behold! Children are an inheritance of Jehovah; the fruit of the womb is His reward.
4. As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of the young.
5. Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them; they shall not be ashamed, for they shall speak with their enemies in the gate.