1Except the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the LORD protects the city, the vigilance of their sentries is to no avail. 2It is useless to rise early, or labor late into the night for meager food; for He provides sleep for His beloved. 3 Children are a heritage from the LORD; and offspring is reward from Him. 4Like arrows in the hand of an archer; so are the children of one's youth. 5Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them; he shall not be rebuffed when he confronts his enemies in the gate.

A Song of degrees.