Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Share what you have with seven people, and even with eight; because you don't know what disasters might come upon the earth.
The writer is advising us to be generous and spread our resources among many people, since we can't predict what troubles lie ahead.
📚 Historical Context
Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon in ancient Israel around the 10th century BC, as a wise reflection on the uncertainties and vanities of life under God's sovereignty. This verse is part of a section advising practical wisdom in daily affairs, such as business and generosity, in a world prone to sudden troubles like famines or conflicts. In the cultural context of the time, people faced frequent instability, making it essential to spread resources wisely to avoid total loss.
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