1Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do its builders labour in it; unless Jehovah keep the city, the keeper watcheth in vain:2It is vain for you to rise up early, to lie down late, to eat the bread of sorrows: so to his beloved one he giveth sleep.3Lo, children are an inheritance from Jehovah, and the fruit of the womb a reward.4As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth.5Happy is the man that hath filled his quiver with them. They shall not be ashamed when they speak with enemies in the gate.

A Song of degrees.1Blessed is every one that feareth Jehovah, that walketh in his ways.2For thou shalt eat the labour of thy hands; happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine in the inner part of thy house; thy children like olive-plants round about thy table.4Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth Jehovah.5Jehovah will bless thee out of Zion; and mayest thou see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life,6And see thy children's children. Peace be upon Israel!

A Song of degrees.1Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth -- oh let Israel say --2Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me.3The ploughers ploughed upon my back; they made long their furrows.4Jehovah is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.5Let them be ashamed and turned backward, all that hate Zion;6Let them be as the grass upon the house-tops, which withereth before it is plucked up,7Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand, nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom;8Neither do the passers-by say, The blessing of Jehovah be upon you; we bless you in the name of Jehovah!