1Unless the LORD builds the house,its builders labor in vain;unless the LORD protects the city,its watchmen stand guard in vain.2In vain you rise earlyand stay up late,toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.3Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD,and the fruit of the womb is His reward.4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,so are children born in one’s youth.5Blessed is the manwhose quiver is full of them.He will not be put to shamewhen he confronts the enemies at the gate.