Study Desk

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

Unless the Lord builds^(a) the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches^(b) over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food^(c) to eat— for he grants sleep^(d) to^[a] those he loves.^(e)

Children are a heritage from the Lord , offspring a reward^(f) from him.

Like arrows^(g) in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.^(h) They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents⁽ⁱ⁾ in court.^(j)

A song of ascents.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord ,^(a) who walk in obedience to him.^(b)

You will eat the fruit of your labor;^(c) blessings and prosperity^(d) will be yours.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine^(e) within your house; your children^(f) will be like olive shoots^(g) around your table.

Yes, this will be the blessing^(h) for the man who fears the Lord .⁽ⁱ⁾

May the Lord bless you from Zion;^(j) may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem^(k) all the days of your life.

May you live to see your children's children—^(l) peace be on Israel.^(m)

A song of ascents.

"They have greatly oppressed^(a) me from my youth,"^(b) let Israel say;^(c)

"they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory^(d) over me.

Plowmen have plowed my back and made their furrows long.

But the Lord is righteous;^(e) he has cut me free^(f) from the cords of the wicked."^(g)

May all who hate Zion^(h) be turned back in shame.⁽ⁱ⁾

May they be like grass on the roof,^(j) which withers^(k) before it can grow;

a reaper cannot fill his hands with it,^(l) nor one who gathers fill his arms.

May those who pass by not say to them, "The blessing of the Lord be on you; we bless you^(m) in the name of the Lord ."