| Holman Christian Standard Bible | English 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, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. |
| 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 in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. |
| 3Sons are indeed a heritage from the LORD, children, a reward. | 3Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. |
| 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one's youth. | 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of 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. | 5Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. |
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