Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Portion - of thy bread.
To seven - the perfect number.
To eight - even to more than seven; i:e., to many (so "waters," Ecclesiastes 11:1), nay, even to very many in need (Job 5:19).
For thou knowest not what evil - the day may be near when you will need the help of those whom you have bound to you by kindnesses (Luke 16:9). The very argument which covetous men use against liberality-namely, that bad times may come-the wise man uses for it. The only gain which you can ensure to yourself in the prospect of bad times, which may rob you of all your earthly goods, is that heavenly gain which you make by now giving liberally to the poor, and to the cause of God.