New Living Translation NLT
Common English Bible CEB
1 Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
1
Unless it is the LORD who builds the house, the builders' work is pointless. Unless it is the LORD who protects the city, the guard on duty is pointless.
2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
2
It is pointless that you get up early and stay up late, eating the bread of hard labor because God gives sleep to those he loves.
3 Children are a gift from the LORD ; they are a reward from him.
3
No doubt about it: children are a gift from the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a divine reward.
4 Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
4
The children born when one is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.
5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.
5
The person who fills a quiver full with them is truly happy! They won't be ashamed when arguing with their enemies in the gate.
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Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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