Understanding the Proverb, ‘Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness’

Rooted in the ancient world, this profound proverb still helps us create a better life on multiple levels.

Disorder can be a stressful burden, while decluttering can bring peace. Stock-Asso/Shutterstock

Proverbs are treasures passed on to us over the centuries. There is surely a reason they have been with us for so long. By learning about them, we can improve ourselves and our lives, and by remembering to use them in our speech, we can help ensure that they are passed on to the next generation.

The old proverb, “Cleanliness is next to godliness” is a curious one. Does it refer to physical cleanliness? Or moral? And in which context did it arise? Is it still relevant to us today? How so?

Origins

It all dates back to—as far as we know—1605, when, in his book “Advancement of Learning,” English scientist and philosopher Sir Francis Bacon wrote that “Cleanness of body was ever esteemed to proceed from a due reverence to God, to society, and to ourselves.” During this era, as one might imagine, cleanliness referred to both moral purity and personal hygiene.

The concept that Bacon put forth seems to have spurred similar reflections as time went by. In Thomas Fuller’s 1662 “History of the Worthies of England,” Sir Edward Coke was described as believing that “the outward neatness of our bodies might be a monitor of purity to our souls.” And a sermon by John Wesley given in the late 1700s read, “Let it be observed, that slovenliness is no part of any religion. ... Cleanliness is, indeed, next to godliness.”

A Multi-Layered Truth

Looking at the different precursors to today’s version of this proverb, it seems that Bacon’s summed up the idea best when he said that cleanliness reflects “due reverence to God, to society, and to ourselves.” It’s a multifaceted concept that, in essence, is a beautiful guide for life. Simply put, it’s the idea that keeping one’s body (and I might add one’s surroundings) clean, both superficially as well as fundamentally, is a reflection, and perhaps even practice, of respect and reverence. If one respects God’s creation, one will look after it, so that includes both oneself and others. The respect for others, who were also created in the image of God, is shown by considering them and not creating unpleasantness for them due to hygienic or moral impurity.

Imagine what a world this would be if everyone could remember these things, and not succumb to behaviors that sully the body or soul. However, for those who have most of such behavior well in hand, personally speaking, I believe there is still a lesson to be learned from “Cleanliness is next to godliness”: Cleanliness and tidiness in one’s life, whether it be in one’s home, one’s office, or, yes, even one’s computer or files, is a reflection of self-discipline. Self-discipline is, of course, closer to the holy part of ourselves than is self-indulgence.

Thinking about my own life, I see areas to improve along these lines. The computer files could be a bit tidier, the inbox a bit cleaner. While one can certainly chalk up a lack of tidiness to busyness, sometimes that busyness could be due in part to a lack of self-control, like having time eaten up due to sudden whims or being swayed by emotions and engaging in unplanned or unnecessary activities. (Certainly we all need leisure time, but it is good if that, too, is scheduled.)

Close to God

Embedded in “Cleanliness is next to godliness” is also the long-standing idea that those who are pure and wholesome are close to God. This concept, of course, far predates Bacon’s line of 1605. Sexual purity is, naturally, an essential part of the life of a monk or nun.

This also points to the purity of children and the famous line from the Bible’s book of Matthew, “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).

In addition, the ancient Talmud states, “Carefulness leads to cleanliness; cleanliness to purity; purity to humility; humility to saintliness; saintliness to fear of sin; fear of sin to holiness; and holiness to immortality.” Purity of thought, not simply in a desires-avoiding sense, but in a positive and kindly sense, is something many of us would benefit from striving for.

Tidiness Fosters Godliness

People who do religious and spiritual practices around the world tend to take tidiness seriously in their devotional spaces. Imagine holding a focused Bible study group in an ultra-cluttered and dirty room, or imagine people meditating in a would-be Zen temple with items strewn all about the floor. It just wouldn’t be “Zen,” and it simply isn’t the way—there is a reason the word “zen” has become synonymous with minimalist and calm spaces.

A tidy space has been shown to reduce stress and promote focus, both of which are especially important with regard to spiritual or devotional practice. For those who want a little help in achieving a tidier space, here’s a tip for the uninitiated: The world’s most famous tidying expert is Marie Kondo, who has written the best-selling book, “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Her methods have helped millions, and she is a lovely person to get to know—even if just by reading about her.

Now that you know some of the stories behind “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” I invite you to join me in creating a cleaner mind, intentions, and space, thereby peeling away the layers that may be dulling the brightness within.