English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
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 in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
2
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.
3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
3
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.
4
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
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.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
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.