New International Version NIV
The Bible in Basic English BBE
1 Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
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<A Song of the going up. Of Solomon.> If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.
2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.
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It is of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep.
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
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See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
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Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.
5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.
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Happy is the man who has a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.