Ecc 11:2 | JFB | STEP | 2. portion —of thy bread. seven —the perfect number. eight —even to more than seven; that is, "to many" (so "waters," ), nay, even to very many in need ( ). evil —The day may be near, when you will need the help of those whom you have bound to you by kindnesses ( ). The very argument which covetous men use against liberality (namely, that bad times may come), the wise man uses for it.

Ecclesiastes 11:2

2. portion—of thy bread.

seven—the perfect number.

eight—even to more than seven; that is, "to many" (so "waters," Ec 11:1), nay, even to very many in need (Job 5:19; Mic 5:5).

evil—The day may be near, when you will need the help of those whom you have bound to you by kindnesses (Lu 16:9). The very argument which covetous men use against liberality (namely, that bad times may come), the wise man uses for it.