King James Version KJV
New Revised Standard NRS
1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
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 vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
2
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 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
3
Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
4
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth.
5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
5
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.
The King James Version is in the public domain.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.