1 A Song of the Ascents. Of Solomon. <span class=|reftext|><a href=|#|><b>1</b></a> If YHWH does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor on it; if YHWH does not guard the city, in vain the one guarding keeps watch.2 [It is] vain for you⁺, being early [in] rising, [and] delaying to sit, eating the bread of sorrows; for so He gives sleep to His beloved.3 Behold, an inheritance of YHWH [are] sons, a reward [is] the fruit of the womb.4 Like arrows in the hand of a mighty one, so [are] the sons of one’s youth.5 Blessed [is] the man who has filled his quiver with them! He will not be put to shame, but he shall speak with the enemies at the gate.