You know, there are a few phrases that I have heard Christians use so much that they begin to believe them to be in the Bible somewhere. These include: 

“God won’t give you more than you can handle.”

“God helps those who help themselves.”

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

While all three of these phrases have potential biblical principles, the actual phrases are NOT found in the Scriptures. Are you surprised? Maybe so… However, we can understand them and apply them to our lives from the Scriptures that teach these principles. Let’s take a look at the last one and break it down a little.

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

There are passages found in the Old Testament that teach the people of Israel to be clean people. Shortly before the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land, God said that He would protect them from “terrible diseases” (Deuteronomy 7:15). One way He accomplished this was by giving them specific instructions on hygiene. For example: 

        • There were specific instructions about bathing and washing clothes – Leviticus 15:4-27
        • There were specific instructions about where to go to the bathroom to relieve yourself – Deuteronomy 23:23-13
        • There were specific instructions about how to fight against infectious diseases – Leviticus 14:8-9
        • There were specific instructions about how to handle a dead body – Leviticus 5:2-3 & Numbers 19:16

Israel’s laws reflected medical concepts and views on sanitation that were far ahead of their time. The Israelites benefited and remained comparatively healthy by following the standards set out in God’s Law. 

Even spiritually speaking in the New Testament, we have passage after passage that deals with cleansing ourselves from sins and being pure of heart. For example: 

        • Paul was given specific instructions about how to wash away his sins – Acts 22:16
        • John says those who wash their robes are blessed and have access to the tree of life – Revelation 22:14
        • The Hebrew author argues that Christ as the high priest cleans our consciences by this own blood sacrifice – Hebrews 9:11-14
        • James tells us that we need to draw near to God and He will draw near to us, but first, we need to wash our hands and purify our hearts – James 4:8
        • John encourages us by telling us we need to confess our sins to God and He will forgive us by cleansing us from unrighteousness – 1 John 1:9

So no… “Cleanliness is next to godliness” is not in the Bible… but yet it is. At least the principle can be found and applied to our lives. So yes… wash your hands… wash your heart and be godly people because cleanliness is next to godliness. 

I love you. 

Alex