New International Version NIV
Good News Translation GNT
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
If the Lord does not build the house, the work of the builders is useless; if the Lord does not protect the city, it does no good for the sentries to stand guard.
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 useless to work so hard for a living, getting up early and going to bed late. For the Lord provides for those he loves, while they are asleep.
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
3
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
4
The sons a man has when he is young are like arrows in a soldier's hand.
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 who has many such arrows. He will never be defeated when he meets his enemies in the place of judgment.
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.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.