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.
Loading the full interactive collection…