The quote “Don’t judge men’s wealth or godliness by their Sunday appearance” implies that one’s outer display, especially on occasions or places where people are expected to be at their best, such as at church on Sundays, may not necessarily reflect their true character or financial status. Sunday, being a traditional day of worship in many cultures, is a day when people often put on their best clothes and behavior. However, Franklin warns against using this as a measure for their wealth or piety, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving.

In the context of wealth, someone might dress up in expensive clothes and accessories for Sunday services, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are wealthy. They could be living beyond their means or even in debt. On the other hand, a person wearing simple attire may be financially well-off but chooses not to flaunt their wealth.

In terms of godliness or piety, the quote suggests that a person’s true spiritual depth cannot be measured by how they present themselves on a Sunday. Someone might appear devout during services, but their actions throughout the rest of the week may not align with their Sunday behavior. True godliness, as Franklin implies, is about consistent moral behavior, not just a show of piety on certain occasions.

In today’s world, this idea is still relevant. We live in a society where people often present an idealized version of themselves, especially on social media. This quote reminds us not to take everything at face value and to understand that real wealth and virtue lie in consistent actions and attitudes, not just in outward appearances.

In terms of personal development, it encourages us to focus more on building genuine character and financial stability, rather than just appearing successful or virtuous. It also teaches us to be discerning and not to make quick judgments about others based on surface-level observations.