Give a portion to seven - Never cease giving while thou seest a person in distress, and hast wherewithal to relieve him.
Thou knowest not what evil - Such may be the change of times, that thou mayest yet stand in need of similar help thyself. Do as thou wouldst be done by.
The verse means: “Let your hospitality and your alms be extensive: for you know not what reverses may befall either that person who by your liberality will be strengthened to meet them, or yourself who may come to need grateful friends.” Compare Luke 16:9.
Seven, and also to eight - A definite number for an indefinite (compare marginal reference).