1The song of the stairs. Except the LORD build the house, the labour is but lost that build it. Except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
2It is but lost labour that ye rise up early, and take no rest, but eat the bread of carefulness: for look to whom it pleaseth him, he giveth it in sleep.
3Lo, children and the fruit of the womb are an heritage and gift, that cometh of the LORD:
4Like as the arrows in the hand of the giant, even so are the young children.
5Happy is the man, that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, when they speak with their enemies in the gate.