A Song of degrees for Solomon. Unless Jehovah builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless Jehovah keeps the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

The Words of Jehovah are pure Words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

Why do the nations rage, and the peoples meditate on a vain thing?

A horse is a vain thing for safety; neither shall he deliver by his great strength.

Surely a man walks about like a shadow! Surely they are in an uproar in vain. He heaps up, and does not know who shall gather them.

Surely I have made my heart pure in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.

Give us help against our foe; for vain is the help of man.

Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.

Remember, I pray, how short my time is; why have You made all men in vain?

Jehovah knows the thoughts of man, that they are vain.

Give us help from trouble; for vain is the deliverance of man.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows; for so He gives His beloved sleep.