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