cleanliness is next to godliness

Next in this proverb means ‘immediately following’, as in serial order. Cf. [1605 Bacon Advancement of Learning ii. 44] Cleannesse of bodie was euer esteemed to proceed from a due reuerence to God.

Slovenliness is no part of religion. ‥‘Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness.’
[a 1791 Wesley Works (1872) VII. 16]

‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness.’ The latter quality, as displayed in a Russian devotee, is more allied with dirt than anything else.
[1876 F. G. Burnaby Ride to Khiva x.]

The hospital staff had a thing about personal cleanliness, next to godliness, you might say.
[1979 C. Egleton Backfire i.]

But a $6,000 shower curtain? Even if cleanliness is next to godliness, isn't that kinda steep?
[2002 Washington Post 14 Aug. C2]

Related to: cleanliness

Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.

Being clean is a sign of spiritual purity or goodness, as in Don't forget to wash your ears--cleanliness is next to godliness. This phrase was first recorded in a sermon by John Wesley in 1778, but the idea is ancient, found in Babylonian and Hebrew religious tracts. It is still invoked, often as an admonition to wash or clean up.