1Tim 4:16

“"Take heed," he says, "unto thyself, and unto the doctrine: continue in them." That is, take heed to thyself, and teach others also. "For in so doing thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." It is well said, "Thou shalt save thyself." For he that is "nourished up in the words of sound doctrine," first receives the benefit of it himself. From admonishing others, he is touched with compunction himself. For these things are not said to Timothy only, but to all. And if such advice is addressed to him, who raised the dead, what shall be said to us? Christ also shows the duty of teachers, when He says, "The kingdom of heaven is like unto an householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." And the blessed Paul gives the same advice, that "we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." This he practiced above all men, being brought up in the law of his fathers, at the feet of Gamaliel, whence he would afterwards naturally apply to reading: for he who exhorted others would himself first follow the advice he gave. Hence we find him continually appealing to the testimony of the prophets, and searching into their writings. Paul then applies to reading, for it is no slight advantage that is to be reaped from the Scriptures. But we are indolent, and we hear with carelessness and indifference. What punishment do we not deserve!”

“These things he should do because of the reward he expects. Hence he adds, take heed to yourself and to doctrine. For some attend to doctrine so much that they neglect themselves; but the Apostle tells him to attend to himself first, and then to doctrine: have pity on your own soul (Sir 30:24). Hence Jesus began to do and to teach. Be earnest in them, i.e., do them insistently: be instant in season, out of season (2 Tim 4:2). The fruit will be abundant, for in doing this you shall save both yourself and those who hear you. And this is great: he who causes a sinner to be converted from the error of his way shall save his soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins (Jas 5:20); they that instruct many to justice, as stars for all eternity (Dan 12:3). Hence teachers will receive a golden crown.”

“[Syncletica] also said, 'It is dangerous for a man to try teaching before he is trained in the good life. A man whose house is about to fall down may invite travellers inside to refresh them, but instead they will be hurt in the collapse of the house. It is the same with teachers who have not carefully trained themselves in the good life; they destroy their hearers as well as themselves. Their mouth invites to salvation, their way of life leads to ruin.'”