The Message Bible MSG
World English Bible WEB
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.
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<<A Song of Ascents. By Solomon.>> Unless Yahweh builds the house, They labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, The watchman guards it 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?
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It is vain for you to rise up early, To stay up late, Eating the bread of toil; For he gives sleep to his loved ones.
3 Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
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Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward.
4 Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth.
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As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of 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.
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Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be put to shame when they speak with their 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 World English Bible is in the public domain.