IN PRAISE OF GOD'S GOODNESS

If the LORD does not build the house,

the work of the builders is useless;

if the, LORD does not protect the city,

it is useless for the sentries to stand guard.

It is useless to work so hard for a living,

getting up early and going to bed late.

For the LORD provides for those he loves,

while they are asleep.

Children are a gift from the LORD;

they are a real blessing.

The sons a man has when he is young

are like arrows in a soldier's hand.

Happy is the man who has many such arrows.

He will never be defeated,

when he meets his enemies in the place of judgment.