The Need for Housekeeping Skills

"Cleanliness is next to Godliness." Where did that saying come from and is it relevant to the modern Proverbs 31 Woman?

First, the saying is not in the Bible, no matter how much some people may try convince you that it is. It does seem to have its roots in Hebrew writings, however. Francis Bacon first put the idea into English writings in 1605 when he wrote, "Cleanness of body was ever deemed to proceed from a due reverence to God."

John Wesley used the saying in a 1791 sermon when he said, "Slovenliness is no part of religion. Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness."

Although this is not written in the Bible, its main point - God expects us to be clean - is. In the books of the Law (the first 5 books of the Bible), many laws were given to the Israelites concerning personal cleanliness as well as the cleanliness of their homes (camps, etc.) God also refers to it throughout the rest of the Old Testament and the New Testament as well.

Proverbs 31:27 says, "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness." (NIV)

Ladies, let's not forget the importance of a clean home and clean bodies (and spirits too!) We need to see to it that our homes are clean (this doesn't mean your house has to be spotless all of the time - don't misunderstand the point), we and our children bathe regularly AND especially, that we keep our hearts pure before God with confession and repentance.