A Song of degrees for Solomon. 1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh |but| in vain. 2 |It is| vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: |for| so he giveth his beloved sleep. 3 Lo, children |are| an heritage of the LORD: |and| the fruit of the womb |is his| reward. 4 As arrows |are| in the hand of a mighty man; so |are| children of the youth. 5 Happy |is| the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.