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.
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?
3 Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
4 Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous 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.
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.