Wisdom In All Things Special Series
You might say that it was Benjamin Franklin’s disillusionment with a sermon on Philippians 4:8 that was at least partly responsible for his conceiving of “the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection” that is his 13 virtues.
A wise life is a virtuous life. There is an expectation of behavior from someone who claims to be wise. This 13-part series will seek to help us understand a life that is exemplified by the characteristics elevated by this great American statesman.
What This Virtue Means
Cleanliness, for Franklin, was not vanity or obsession with appearances. It was a form of respect—for oneself, for others, and for the spaces one inhabits.
He understood cleanliness as an outward expression of inward order. Disorder in one’s surroundings often reflected disorder of attention, discipline, or care. Cleanliness restored harmony between environment and mind.
This virtue was not about perfection or luxury, but about tending what has been entrusted. Cleanliness acknowledged that neglect, even when subtle, accumulates into disorder that dulls attentiveness and self-command.
Why Franklin Practiced It
Franklin believed habits of care reinforced habits of discipline.
Untended spaces encouraged carelessness. Cleanliness, by contrast, cultivated awareness, responsibility, and respect—for oneself and for others who shared those spaces.
By practicing cleanliness, Franklin sought to:
- reinforce discipline through daily habits
- reduce distraction caused by disorder
- cultivate self-respect and dignity
- support clarity of mind through order of environment
Cleanliness was not isolated from wisdom—it supported it.
Modern Examples of Cleanliness
In modern life, neglect often hides behind busyness.
Practicing cleanliness today might look like:
- maintaining living and working spaces intentionally
- caring for personal appearance without excess
- respecting shared environments
- addressing neglect before it compounds
Cleanliness creates conditions where attention and peace can flourish.
Want a simple way to practice the virtues the way Franklin did?
Download the free printable virtues chart and weekly habit tracker—modeled after Franklin’s original system.
Time For a Good Cleaning
“Okay, boomer.”
My oldest son used that phrase the other day. I knew he was kidding when he said it, so I let him say it twice before I “shut ‘er down.”
But I have to say, that is the response that comes to mind when I read Benjamin’s statement on cleanliness. In fact, he probably couldn’t even finish the word “cleanliness” without getting a resounding “okay, boomer!” Never mind the fact that he doesn’t seem very tolerant.
But like so much of what we hear from our elders, it is simple and true.
Clean up your room. Clean up your mess. Keep your nose clean.
While I wouldn’t go so far as to say it is “next to godliness’, I will admit that I would probably like you more if you kept things clean.
Clean, like, really clean—the way mom would clean something—is clean in the back, and underneath, not just where someone might see. To do that, you need to pick up whatever you’re cleaning and inspect it. Cleanliness is being thoughtful, meticulous–and thorough. A quick dusting just doesn’t cut it.
Be Seen as Clean
While most of the virtues are applicable across our lives, I find that this one, in particular, is made for “wisdom in all things”. It necessarily applies to our minds, bodies, and souls. But more than a virtue, it might be better called a principal or discipline.
Cleanliness extends from our hearts to what surrounds us. And just like spring cleaning, requires physical, mental, and emotional energy but yields that proud moment when you can finally get your car parked in the garage.
“Spring cleaning requires Industry and Resolution, as well as a healthy understanding of Moderation. It also leads to virtues like Order and Tranquility, and study after study shows that cleaning can make us happier and healthier. Tending to our homes and inventorying our belongings can generate gratitude for what we have, remind us of those with less, prompt empathy for others, and humble us profoundly all at once.” – Chelsea Samelson
And I would add, spiritual. Cleanliness of mind stems from our cleanliness of heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” There is profound clarity in cleanliness.
Mind
Ordering your private world. That is not only a phrase, but the title of the book I read years ago by Gordon MacDonald. You may know it. His book is a book about spiritual disciplines, but that title captures the approach we should take when surveying the cleanliness of our minds.
We need to bring order, and cleanliness, to the privacy of our minds. Like an upstairs bedroom that has become the catch-all for unwanted furniture, clothing, and “who knows what?”, we need to open the door, let in the light, and remove what isn’t absolutely necessary.
Don’t allow the disorder to persist.
Body
What people see can quickly give them right or wrong first impression of us. However, we decide to present ourselves, can communicate far more loudly than anything we say, regardless of the setting, audience, or our intention.
Grooming, clothing, exercise, hygiene—it all speaks. I have found that what I am most comfortable wearing probably isn’t probably what my wife would have me wear in public—at least when I’m with her.
What do you want your physical appearance to say?
Soul
We homeschooled our boys for a number of years. Early on, my wife taught them a simple way to understand 1 John 1:9. That verse says that if we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse our hearts. The phrase my wife taught our boys was “clean heart, fresh start.”
It is the pure in heart that are not only blessed but see God. The goo and muck of unforgiven sin, keeps us from the most vibrant, satisfying relationship we could possibly have.
Be free from the burden of unforgiven sin. Clean heart, fresh start.
When was the last time you scrubbed and scoured your life? Grab a brush, and look deeply into these areas of your life. It may not be spring, but we certainly don’t have to wait to do an inspection and tidy up where necessary.
How to Practice Cleanliness This Week
Franklin approached cleanliness practically, not obsessively.
To begin:
- Choose one neglected area
This may be physical, personal, or environmental. - Restore order deliberately
Clean thoroughly but without urgency or resentment. - Maintain rather than perfect
Consistency matters more than intensity. - Reflect at week’s end
Did care improve clarity? Did order influence mood or focus?
Cleanliness grows through attention sustained over time.
Download the exact habit-tracking chart Benjamin Franklin used to pursue the 13 virtues.
This free, printable PDF gives you the (modernized) chart Franklin used to track his progress toward moral growth, designed to help you slow down, pay attention, and cultivate better habits one week at a time.