Literal translation
the first charity begins at home
Meaning
charity begins at home
Explanation
This proverb states the principle that duties toward others should first be exercised toward one's own household before extending further afield. The literal image places the house, the oustau, at the centre of the circle of obligations: it is the first circle, that of family and close relations, which must receive priority in attention, care and resources, before generosity can legitimately turn outward. The word carita, charity, carries a strong moral and religious weight, but the proverb brings it back to a practical, common-sense hierarchy: one cannot claim to help the whole world while neglecting those living under one's own roof. The proverb is often used to justify a decision favouring family over an outside commitment, or to remind someone of their priorities. It directly completes the previous proverb on individual selfishness, offering a more nuanced and morally more acceptable version of retreating to one's own, since it concerns the household itself.