The Bible Doesn’t Say That: Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness
The Bible Doesn’t Say That: Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness Origination Of The Saying: The saying “cleanliness is next to godliness” does not appear in the Bible. The expression is an archaic proverb found in Babylonian and Hebrew religious tracts. Its debut in the English language, in a modified form, is found in the writings of philosopher and scientist Sir Francis Bacon. In Advancement of Learning (1605) he wrote, “Cleanness of body was ever deemed to proceed from a due reverence to God.” Almost two hundred years later (1791), John Wesley made a reference to the expression in one of his sermons in the form we use it today. Wesley wrote, “Slovenliness is no part of religion. Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness." Illustration: How many of you are going to eat right after church is over? How many of you will be heading to a local restaurant? So, most of you are eating and most of you are eating out. Very good. How many of you are like me and whe...