1The Lord must build your house.

If not, the work of the builders is useless.

The Lord must keep the city safe.

If not, the city guards are useless.

2If you work all day for food, and never stop,

it is also useless.

God gives food to the people that he loves.

Even while they sleep,

God takes care of them.

3Children are a gift from the Lord.

He blesses us with descendants.

4If you have sons while you are a young man,

they are like a soldier's arrows that he can use.

5If a man has many sons,

he is truly happy.

When his enemies speak against him at the city gate,

they will not win.