4 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.



Ver. 4. Let them learn first to show] Such any one is in truth, as he is at home, Psa_101:2. The hypocrite’s virtues (as that of the Sarmatians) run all outward. Something he seems abroad, but follow him home, and you shall soon see what he is: follow stage players into their attiring house where they disrobe themselves, and then it will appear they are vile varlets. {a} Like unto this apostolic precept, was that of Chile, one of the wise men of Greece, ôçò áõôïõ ïéêéáò êáëùò ðñïóôáôåéí to govern honestly a man’s own family. (Laert. in Vita.)



And to requite their parents] {See Trapp on "Mat_15:4"} The storks feed their dams when old; though the young kites expel their dams, and with their bills and wings beat them out of their nest. Boughs bend toward their root, &c.



{a} A man or lad acting as an attendant or servant; a menial, a groom. Now arch. ŒD