Common English Bible CEB
New International Version NIV
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.
1
Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
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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In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.
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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Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
4 The children born when one is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
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Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
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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Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.