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Cleanliness is next to godliness

Meaning: Being clean is a virtue akin to being pious.

Origin: Attributed to John Wesley in a 1778 sermon, roots in ancient Hebrew writings.

Translations

  • French: La propreté est la seconde vertu (literally: Cleanliness is the second virtue)
  • Spanish: La limpieza es casi la santidad (literally: Cleanliness is almost holiness)
  • Japanese: 清潔は美徳なり (Seiketsu wa bitoku nari) (literally: Cleanliness is a virtue)

More proverbs about Morality

  • Pride comes before a fall — Arrogance often precedes failure.
  • The wheels of justice turn slowly — Justice takes time but eventually arrives.
  • The ends justify the means — A good outcome excuses questionable methods.
  • Charity begins at home — Take care of your own family before helping others.
  • Don't look a gift horse in the mouth — Don't question the value of a gift.
  • If the shoe fits, wear it — Accept criticism that accurately applies to you.

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