New International Version NIV
New King James Version NKJV
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 Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake 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 sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep.
3 Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.
3
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
4
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's 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 who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
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 New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.