New Century Version NCV
English Standard Version ESV
1 If the Lord doesn't build the house, the builders are working for nothing. If the Lord doesn't guard the city, the guards are watching for nothing.
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Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is no use for you to get up early and stay up late, working for a living. The Lord 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 to his beloved sleep.
3 Children are a gift from the Lord; babies are a reward.
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Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Children who are born to a young man are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
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Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.
5 Happy is the man who has his bag full of arrows. They will not be defeated when they fight their enemies at the city gate. A song for going up to worship.
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Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.