New International Version NIV
The Message Bible MSG
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 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.
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'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?
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
3
Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
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Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous 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.
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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.
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.
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.