charity begins at home

used to imply that one should focus on taking care of their own family and community first, before extending acts of kindness to others

The origin of the proverb "charity begins at home" is often attributed to the works of Sir Thomas Browne, who used it in his 17th-century writings. It highlights the importance of ensuring that those closest to us are well taken care of, both emotionally and materially, before reaching out to assist people further away. This saying emphasizes the value of prioritizing one's own responsibilities and nurturing relationships within the home or close community as it can be the starting point for broader acts of charity and service.