Children Are a Heritage from the LORD

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

¹ Unless the LORD builds the house,

its builders labor in vain;

unless the LORD protects the city,

its watchmen stand guard in vain.

² In vain you rise early

and stay up late,

toiling for bread to eat —

for He gives sleep to His beloved.

³ Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD,

and the fruit of the womb is His reward.^*

⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

so are children born in one’s youth.

⁵ Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.

He will not be put to shame

when he confronts the enemies at the gate.