The Message Bible MSG
King James Version KJV
1 If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap.
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.
2 It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?
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.
3 Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
3
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.
4
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
5 Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.
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.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
The King James Version is in the public domain.