Revised Standard Version RSV
Good News Translation GNT
1 A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake 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 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
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 Lo, sons are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.
3
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one's youth.
4
The sons a man has when he is young are like arrows in a soldier's hand.
5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
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.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.