Common English Bible CEB
New Revised Standard NRS
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, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps 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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It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.
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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Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
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 hand of a warrior are the sons of 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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Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.