I recently discovered that the phrase “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” was first attributed to a physician and pastor from England in 1639 named John Clarke. Wow! Another physician and pastor with my name, just 400 years apart.
According to my wife’s research, John Clarke was also co-founder of the colony of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations and a leading advocate of religious freedoms in America.
I’ve been thinking more about his healthy, wealthy, and wise phrase (some attribute it also to Benjamin Franklin, who would have used it after John Clarke). To be healthy, wealthy, and wise is to prosper in all things and at all levels – spirit, soul, body, and materially.
I experienced prosperity in my spirit and soul when I surrendered to Jesus and received Him into my life; I began to experience peace and joy. My mind was uncluttered to think and study and receive education.
As I prospered in spirit and soul, I began to learn how to prosper in health (body) – early to bed (adequate sleep) and early to rise (to exercise), along with better nutrition choices.
With prosperity of spirit and soul, material and financial blessings were also in position to follow.
Discipline, righteousness, sacrifice, faithfulness, grace, strong work ethic, giving, and helping others will always be profitable.
Jesus said it this way, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
