Why do the nations rebel
and the peoples plot in vain?

“Certainly, man walks about like a mere shadow.
Indeed, they frantically rush around in vain,
gathering possessions
without knowing who will get them.

You make us quarrel with our neighbors;
our enemies make fun of us.

You uprooted a vine from Egypt;
You drove out the nations and planted it.

Return, God of Hosts.
Look down from heaven and see;
take care of this vine,

A Solomonic song of ascents.Unless the Lord builds a house,
its builders labor over it in vain;
unless the Lord watches over a city,
the watchman stays alert in vain.

In vain you get up early and stay up late,
working hard to have enough food—
yes, He gives sleep to the one He loves.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house,
your sons, like young olive trees
around your table.

It is like fine oil on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down Aaron’s beard
onto his robes.