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.