1 A Song of Degrees. Except the Lord build the house, they that build labour in vain : except the Lord keep the city, the watchman watches in vain.
2 It is vain for you to rise early : ye rise up after resting, ye that eat the bread of grief ; while he gives sleep to his beloved.
3 Behold, the inheritance of the Lord, children, the reward of the fruit of the womb.
4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty man ; so are the children of those who were outcasts.
5 Blessed is the man who shall satisfy his desire with them : they shall not be ashamed when they shall speak to their enemies in the gates.