Cast thy bread upon the waters

Cultural  

1. An expression from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.”

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This saying calls on people to believe that their good deeds will ultimately benefit them.

Example Sentences

“Cast thy bread—cast thy bread upon the waters, “And it shall return—it shall return unto thee after many days,” chanted a clear, high voice, truly a wonderful voice, which Bert claimed as his own discovery.

From Project Gutenberg

Bert’s “Won’t you sing something for us, Phil?” was not to be resisted and after a moment’s thought his clear notes rose in a burst of melody: “Cast thy bread upon the waters”—— The boys fairly held their breath as the flutelike notes of one of the finest voices they had ever heard, floated off into the woodland spaces.

From Project Gutenberg

The tension was broken by Sam’s asking: “What does that mean, ‘Cast thy bread upon the waters’—and how can it return?”

From Project Gutenberg

Truly has he said: 'Cast thy bread upon the waters, and it shall return unto thee after many days.'

From Project Gutenberg

A life insurance company is a grand combination philanthropico-financial corporation whose motto is, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, and after many days thou shalt receive it again."

From Project Gutenberg