The Bible in Basic English BBE
New International Version NIV
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.
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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 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.
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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 See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward.
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Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.
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Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
5 Happy 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.
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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.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
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.