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1 A Canticle in steps: of Solomon. Unless the Lord has built the house, those who build it have labored in vain. Unless the Lord has guarded the city, he who guards it watches in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise before daylight, that you rise up after you have sat down, you who chew the bread of sorrow. Whereas, to his beloved, he will give sleep. 3 Behold, the inheritance of the Lord is sons, the reward is the fruit of the womb. 4 Like arrows in the hand of the powerful, so are the sons of those who have been cast out. 5 Blessed is the man who has filled his desire from these things. He will not be confounded when he speaks to his enemies at the gate.