| Holman Christian Standard Bible | International Standard Version |
| 1A 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. | 1Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor uselessly. Unless the LORD guards the city, its security forces keep watch uselessly. |
| 2In vain you get up early and stay up late, working hard to have enough food-- yes, He gives sleep to the one He loves. | 2It is useless to get up early and to stay up late, eating the food of exhausting labor— truly he gives sleep to those he loves. |
| 3Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, children, a reward. | 3Children are a gift from the LORD; a productive womb, the LORD's reward. |
| 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth. | 4As arrows in the hand of a warrior, so also are children born during one's youth. |
| 5Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them. Such men will never be put to shame when they speak with their enemies at the city gate. | 5How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be ashamed as they confront their enemies at the city gate. |
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