1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. If any one provide not for his own kindred, and for those of his own house, as parents or children, he lives in a manner so contrary to the Christian faith, that he, in fact, denies it, and is worse than an infidel. "Indeed," says Archbishop Seeker, "Nature as well as Christianity enjoins this domestic duty so strongly, that the whole world cries out shame where it is neglected." That man, therefore, deserves censure, who, intent on the interests of others, disregards his own. The astrologer who was looking at the stars, and telling the fortunes of his neighbours, did not see the pit which lay at his feet, and into which he fell. It is well to do a good turn to a stranger, or even to an enemy, but "not to bulge our own vessel in attempting to raise that of our neighbour," as the following story from AEsop may show. "A wolf that lay licking his wounds, and extremely faint and ill from the bite of a dog, called out to a sheep passing by, 'Hark' ye, friend, if you would but help me to a sup of water out of yonder brook, I would manage myself to get something to eat.' 'Yes,' said the sheep, 'I make no doubt of it; but when I bring you drink, my carcase shall serve you for meat.'" Parallel Verses KJV: But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. |
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