| Common English Bible (CEB) |
New International Version (NIV) |
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1 Unless it is the LORD who builds the house, the builders' work is pointless. Unless it is the LORD who protects the city, the guard on duty is pointless.
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1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
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2 It is pointless that you get up early and stay up late, eating the bread of hard labor because God gives sleep to those he loves.
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2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves.
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3 No doubt about it: children are a gift from the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a divine reward.
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3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
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4 The children born when one is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
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4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
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5 The person who fills a quiver full with them is truly happy! They won't be ashamed when arguing with their enemies in the gate.
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5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.
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| Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible (Common English Bible) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
