⁰The song of the steps, of Solomon.

¹If Yahweh does not build the house, in vain have its builders toiled on it; if Yahweh does not guard the city, in vain has the guard stayed awake.

²In vain it is for you who start early to rise, who delay sitting, who eat the bread of toil; so he gives his beloved sleep.

³Behold, children are an inheritance from Yahweh; the fruit of the womb is a reward.

⁴Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.

⁵Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.