Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
Meaning: The proverb ‘cleanliness is next to Godliness” means that ‘cleanliness is similar to godliness, and both share similar traits such as self-control and taking positive action’.
The proverb outlines the importance of the habit of cleanliness in our life. Cleanliness is an essentials virtue and next to godliness.
Cleanliness means being physically clean and tidy. Godliness means being morally good. The words ‘next to’ can be taken to mean ‘second best after’. So, if we are not morally perfect, at least we can take care to look presentable.
The proverb highlights two things:
The most important activity of human life is worshiping God.
The next important thing is cleanliness, i.e., the state of being clean.
Expansion of the idea
Cleanliness and godliness are about recognizing your inherent value as a human being. Cleanliness is also regarded as a sign of spiritual growth and purity.
Keeping everything clean and tidy is a way of showing that you care about yourself, other people and your surroundings. It is a good habit to keep our surroundings and ourselves clean and tidy. Some nations attach the utmost importance to cleanliness.
Cleanliness of body leads to purity of mind, which elevates our moral and spiritual life, and at last brings us nearer to God.
Preservation of heath: Cleanliness ensures good health. If the body is regularly washed, dirt cannot choke the pores of the skin. This removes dirt through perspiration. On the other hand, if the pores are choked up, the impurities of the body cannot come out, and various diseases may follow.
Exercise can do no good, if we do not keep our body clean. We should. Therefore, be most careful in this respect. We should also keep our dress and clothes clean, and we should avoid dirty food. We should carefully throw the domestic waste in the garbage boxes. If one adheres to all these habits, one can be free from diseases and lead a happy life.
Why cleanliness is important? Cleanliness is a mark of politeness. It commands respect. Everyone likes a person of clean habits. Cleanliness in itself gives us a good feeling.
Cleanliness helps us remain healthy and fit.
It keeps us free of diseases.
Cleanliness is a pre-requisite for maintaining good hygiene and sanitation.
Rather than being lazy, both cleanliness and godliness require you to take positive action to improve the world.
Conclusion: Considering the importance of cleanliness, it has been compared with godliness. Cleanliness is as important as worshipping God. We pray to God for our well-being. We get blessings from God. God helps us to live our life in a pleasant manner. Similarly, Cleanliness ensures a healthy mind and body. It improves the quality of our life. A clean person enjoys his life completely.
