Charity begins at home ‘Charity begins at home’ – meaning and explanation

The Origin of the Phrase
The saying, ‘Charity begins at home’ was originally mentioned in Sir Thomas Browne’s Religio Medici in the year 1642. “Charity begins at home, is the voice of the world: yet is every man his greatest enemy”, he wrote.
While this was the first time this phrase was mentioned in the exact form we use it today, this notion had been emphasized many times prior to the same. 1 Timothy 5:8, King James Bible published in the year 1611 mentioned, “But if any prouide not for his owne, & specially for those of his owne house, hee hath denied the faith, and is worse then an infidel”.This means that a man’s first responsibility is his family. If he indulges in charity ignoring the needs of his family, he cannot be regarded as a good man. John Fletcher and John Wycliffe echoed the same thoughts in their respected works. John Fletcher wrote, “Charity and beating begins at home” in his book, Wit without Money. The book was published in the year 1625.Charity begins at home: True to Every Word
The saying, ‘charity begins at home’ is true to every word. How can somebody who cannot take care of his family members and is ignorant about their needs understand the needs of people outside? If he cannot cater to the needs of those close to him, those who have been connected with him since years, how can he possibly understand the needs of a stranger and help him. If someone is doing so, it may just be a farce. He may just be doing it to gratify his own ego and fetch attention from those around him.
Even if he is genuinely trying to help others and is ignorant about the needs of his family, he is not really doing a great job.
We must indulge in social work and help the needy. However, we must first fulfil our responsibilities towards our family. Lack of it will only create discontentment among individuals and an overall unhappy society.
Conclusion
‘Charity begins at home’ is an old saying that holds relevance even in the current times. We must follow the point being emphasized by way of this saying. CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME ESSAY 4 (500 WORDS)
Introduction
It is truly said that, ‘charity begins at home’. Somebody who cannot love his family and is not sensitive to their needs is only faking helping people outside. Charity does and should always begin at home. The proverb is a lesson for each one of us. We must first love our family wholeheartedly and care for them and then shower love and help to those outside.