New International Version NIV
New Century Version NCV
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 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.
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 no use for you to get up early and stay up late, working for a living. The Lord gives sleep to those he loves.
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
3
Children are a gift from the Lord; babies are a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
4
Children who are born to a young man are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
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 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.