Origin
Sir Thomas Browne was the first to put the expression into print in the form we now use, in Religio Medici, 1642.
Explanation
This proverb expresses the over-riding demands of taking care of one’s family, before caring for others.You should take care of your family and other people who live close to you before helping people who are living farther away or in another country. One has to make adequate provision for one’s family before one makes provision for needy strangers. Be generous to your family before helping others. “Love” begins at home, and if you can’t be charitable or loving to the people you live with, it’s not worth pretending to love others.
Examples
She spends the little money that she earns on social work and neglects her own family, forgetting that charity begins at home.
If you really want to make the world a better place, start by being polite to your sister. Charity begins at home.
You ought to stay in and look after your father. Charity begins at home.
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