Except the Lord build the house,

They that build labor in vain:

Except the Lord keep the city,

The watchman watches in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise early:

Ye rise up after resting,

Ye that eat the bread of grief;

While he gives sleep to his beloved.

3 Behold, the inheritance of the Lord, children,

The reward of the fruit of the womb.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man;

So are the children of those who were outcasts.

5 Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them:

They shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.