1 “A psalm of the steps, or the goings up. By Solomon.” Except the LORD build the house, The builders labor in vain; Except the LORD guard the city, The watchman waketh in vain. 2 In vain ye rise up early, and go to rest late, And eat the bread of care! The same giveth he his beloved one in sleep. 3 Behold! sons are an inheritance from the LORD, And the fruit of the womb is his gift. 4 As arrows in the hand of the warrior, So are the sons of young men: 5 Happy the man that hath his quiver full of them! They shall not be put to shame, When they speak with adversaries in the gate.