New Century Version NCV
New International Version NIV
1 If the Lord doesn't build the house, the builders are working for nothing. If the Lord doesn't guard the city, the guards are watching for nothing.
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 no use for you to get up early and stay up late, working for a living. The Lord gives sleep to those he loves.
2
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.
3 Children are a gift from the Lord; babies are a reward.
3
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
4 Children who are born to a young man are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
4
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his bag full of arrows. They will not be defeated when they fight their enemies at the city gate. A song for going up to worship.
5
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.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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.