2007-01-17 05:13:00 · 6 answers · asked by Me 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
Good question. The author of Ecclesiastes was actually borrowing his imagery from Egyptian lore, in which the world of business is seen as an ocean and your wealth is seen as your bread. Therefore, one should be willing to take the risk of putting their money into the economy (casting your bread upon the waters) with the expectation of receiving a return on their investment (e.g. catching a large amount of fish with a little amount of bread).
There are also a few other possible meanings as well. For one thing, the author may be advising the reader to trade grain by sea (a profitable venture for those who are already affluent) or he may be referring to charity work (e.g., feeding the ducks at the pond) in which you cast your bread upon the waters and expect nothing in return.
Of course, being a quote from the Bible, your own interpretation of this verse is more important than mine ;-) If you need any more help there's always James 1:5 (If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all liberally).
2007-01-17 05:29:27 · answer #1 · answered by Shanara P 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is something to me that comes back as a blessing. Whenever I greet a stranger and even say hello with a smile and a handshake it is just a reward to know that I feel my hand is an extension of HIS hand and I have touched the life of someone. When this happened with many at a homeless shelter after a spiritual meeting I felt blessed in shaking the hand of many persons as they passed me on the way to the kitchen for their meal. I thought later, even years later, that caused me wonder. When was the last time someone caring made the effort to shake their hand and treat them like a human being? There is not fee for this action. It is something that helps shape my life. It is something that God does in return and I know that I have done the right thing and it is something that really gives me purpose in life like nothing else can! Without money and without price!
2015-07-12 10:29:59 · answer #2 · answered by jerry 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Literally,
if you cast out some food onto the water, you will catch a fish. Making the little food you spent more plentiful.
Something like,
Give and you shall receive in tenfold.
2007-01-17 05:24:09 · answer #3 · answered by Carrie W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you talking about tashlikh? If so, this is a symbolic way of casting away the bad deeds and other things we Jews have done over the year.
2016-03-18 00:06:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's time to feed the ducks
2007-01-17 06:02:11 · answer #5 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
if you give of yourself you will ultimately get back in return
2007-01-17 05:50:44 · answer #6 · answered by Milo T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋