Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. Ecclesiastes 11:1-2
from Walkintheword.org an interpretation of what this verse means:
Bread is a word often associated with making a living, and waters is often associated with large numbers of people. The meaning could be advocating the sharing of one’s personal resources with the less fortunate which will, in time, provide a spiritual harvest.
Another good discussion of this verse at Raystedman.org talks about what this verse means for us:
The idea expressed here is one of openhanded generosity. Give freely, wisely, and generously to the needs of those about. This phrase, “Cast your bread upon the waters,” was a proverb in Israel for what looked like wasteful expenditure. No one would take good bread and throw it in the river. But here we are enjoined to do that very thing. This is not encouraging us to be spendthrifts, to thoughtlessly and carelessly give away our money, spending it like a drunken sailor. What is meant is, be willing to take a chance where a real need is evident.
I see this verse as a real challenge for us to be generous to others around us, when we see a need, to help fill it. I pray that we will have compassion for those we meet, and that we remember this call to benevolence.
LINK:
Bible Gateway – Ecclesiastes 11:2
Walkwiththeword.org Study
Raystedman.org Study
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