New International Version NIV
The Darby Translation DBY
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.
1
{A Song of degrees. Of Solomon.} Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:
2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.
2
It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
3
Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, [and] the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
4
As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.
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.
5
Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.