Who Said “Charity Begins at Home”?
Today’s post is about the origin of “charity begins at home”. Who said “charity begins at home”? On Bible or Not we like to share popular quotes along with the sources of those quotes, whether Bible or Not (hence the name of this blog). It’s also fun to research and share the origin of famous quotes and sometimes get into the etymology of some of the words.
The origin of Charity Begins at Home is usually not attributed to the Bible. One of the people most referenced as the author of this quote is Sir Thomas Browne, an English physician, writer and theologian:
“But how shall we expect charity towards others, when we are uncharitable to ourselves? ‘Charity begins at home,’ is the voice of the world;” – Sir Thomas Browne, 1642
It was also said by other famous writers and theologians:
“‘Charity should begin at himself.” – John Wycliffe 1383
“Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.” – Charles Dickens, 1844
I make the argument that while this quote is not verbatim from the Bible, the concept definitely is. Furthermore, those who are most quoted as saying “charity begins at home” were well read in the scriptures. We see in the first letter of Paul to Timothy this verse:
But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. – 1 Timothy 5:4 KJV
When reading this verse in its full context we see that Paul was instructing Timothy about how the members of the Church should be treated, and in particular, widows. While the Church should always be a haven and support for those in need, Paul’s instruction to Timothy was that support should first come from your own family, or in other words, charity begins at home. If the “home” is truly unable to provide support, then the Church will do so.
But you may say that “charity” and “piety” do not mean the same thing, and you would be technically right, but let’s understand the context, and if I dare say, the intent of this verse. The Amplified Bible reads this way:
“But if a widow has children or grandchildren, see to it that these are first made to understand that it is their religious duty [to defray their natural obligation to those] at home, and make return to their parents or grandparents [for all their care by contributing to their maintenance], for this is acceptable in the sight of God.” – 1 Timothy 5:4 The Amplified Bible
The word “piety” in the original greek is “eusebeó” meaning to show respect. It is a form of the word “eusebeia” which means “godliness” or “holiness”. The word “charity” in the original greek is “agapē” which means “love”. So, in the context of this verse I contend that the use of the word “piety” means to be godly and holy, and show respect for your family by providing for their natural needs. This type of action can only be driven by the love of God, which is “charity”. And this charity must first begin at home. Convinced? Leave a comment if you are, or even if you think I’m just an idiot.
So, what’s the deal with the goose photo? I was mountain biking today and came across this pair of geese, and that inspired this post. If you look closely in the background you will see a mother goose sitting on her eggs. As I was riding by, father goose came out hissing at me in order to protect (provide for the safety of) his family…piety begins at home. You see, God has placed this principle even in the animals. This is not to be confused with “never go against the family.” 
And speaking of animals, a photographer friend of mine has an extraordinary dog and cat photography website.
God : Family : Country. In that order. God bless.
14 comments
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I am so relieved to find this, because I did recall reading something like this in the Bible before, but disturbingly I found so many articles saying that the concept of “Charity begins at Home” is not found in the Bible.
I’m so glad that you used literal translations for this analogy! Because charity is the true Love Of Christ, we must too be providing the gospel both in word and by example first. By todays standards most people think of being charitable by means of money or objects which are not things to love according to the gospel. If we do not first have love at home we cannot do what is right nor can we love others as we are commanded to do.
Thanks you so much Linda for your comment and insight. Yes, if we can’t practice charity at home, then how can we have it any where else? GBU!
My wife has used this quote to block me from ever try to help anyone else. I think that the Bible says that we should do our thing six days and rest from ourselves (and our families) on the seventh day and go help others. I think that this quote is saying that before you go to help others make sure that the needs of your family are taken care of so that the church will not be burdened with having to help them. This includes your immediate family and your extended family.
Yes, charity does indeed begin at home, but it doesn’t end there.
I believe ‘Charity begins at home’ was said by an Anglican Clergyman. What he meant is that we learn charity at home. And because we have learned it ‘at our mothers knee’, we will be charitable and loving in the world. It doesn’t mean our first responsibility is to family. Though it often is.
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When I hear people use the phrase, “Charity begins at home”, it is always a situation where a person of means uses this exuse to NOT give money to a charity. What they say is, “the very Bible itself says we are to take care of ourselves first, last, and always”. In my opinion the quote that trumps any notion of selfishly looking out for our own welfare was voiced by Jesus himself when he said, “If you want to guarantee your place in Heaven, give away all of your wealth and follow Me”. Unfortunately, people always bend Bible translations to fit their own selfish persuits.
Very well said Brian. Yes, unfortunately many a person uses the Bible to justify their inaction at best and hypocrisy at worst. I recall that when Jesus taught that you should love your neighbor as yourself that a scribe, looking to justify himself, asked ‘who is my neighbor?’. Perhaps he expected Jesus to say those in your home, or household or next door. Well, He followed with the parable of the good Samaritan, clearly illustrating your point. Charity begins at home, but it doesn’t end there.
Thank you for the post bible or not it really encouraged me and let me know that I am on the right page I am a preacher’s kid and have a father that puts everything before his family like the church I am a minister in his church and we only talk on sunday I live nearby for 6 years and he has never visited me in my family he never encourages me and makes me feel like a failure sometimes I just want to leave the church but trying to be a good son and christian I have stayed praying to god that 1 day he will realize that charity starts at home please pray for me
I will definitely pray for you. Stay strong, be a blessing, and God will see you through.
Yes, charity begins at home. If you won’t take care and love your own, who will? We often take our loved ones for granted, when they should be our number one priority. I lost my 19 year old boy to a pedestrian accident. I can tell you all his friends loved him and were devestated at the loss. But six years later, who still feels the sting? Who still dreads his birthday and date of passing? Who has dreams of him at various ages throughout his growing up? Who still cannot bear to look at his pictures?
Who will take care of your elderly parents and do for them the things they are no longer capable of doing? The church? The neighborhood? Think again. Friends may drop in from time to time, but they are just part of the sweetness of life, thank God for them. But they ain’t scrubbing the toilet and doing the laundry. Doing good works for other people is a noble thing indeed. But, sadly I have found that there are folks who need an audience to feel appreciated and will do the good deeds as long as it furthers their social climbing.
These people are the ones who need to think the whole charity starting at home thing through a little more carefully. As PK above illustrates for us. A godly man who cannot even get recognition from his own father. Hurtful and such a shame.
It was definitely MY MOTHER who said it during the depression!
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