Give a portion to seven, or even to eight, for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
Solomon had often, in this book, pressed it upon rich people to take the comfort of their riches themselves; here he presses it upon them to do good to others with them and to abound in liberality to the poor, which will, another day, abound to their account. Observe, I. How the duty itself is recommended to us, Ecc 11:1. 1.
Commenting on Ecclesiastes 11:1-6
Give a portion to seven, and also to eight,.... Or, a "part" (q); not the whole of a man's substance, for he must have to support himself and his family; he that does not take care of that is worse than an infidel; a man may bestow all his goods on the poor, and not have charity; though no doubt there was true charity, or...
portion--of thy bread. seven--the perfect number. eight--even to more than seven; that is, "to many" (so "waters," Ecc 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 (Luk 16:9).