Franklin's Early Wisdom

Name:

Date:

Young Benjamin Franklin reading by candlelight

📚 Part 1: Franklin's Character and Challenges

1. Based on your reading, which character traits made young Benjamin Franklin special? (Check all that apply)

Bright and curious

Problem solver

Responsible and hardworking

Leader and encourager

Caring about the public good

2. What major disadvantage did Ben face as a child that made his later success remarkable?

He had to quit school at age 10 to work

His family moved frequently

He was often sick

He had no friends

3. In the wharf story, Franklin's father taught him that "No act can be for the benefit of the public generally which involves injustice to any individual." What does this mean?

4. Name two challenges young people face today that are similar to Franklin's obstacles:

Challenge 1: ________________________________

Challenge 2: ________________________________

🏛️ Part 2: Franklin's Adult Accomplishments and Founding Father Role

5. List three of Franklin's famous inventions and explain how each one helped people:

Invention 1: _________________ helped people by: _________________________

Invention 2: _________________ helped people by: _________________________

Invention 3: _________________ helped people by: _________________________

6. How did Franklin contribute to the founding of the United States? (Check all that apply)

Helped write the Declaration of Independence

Worked as a diplomat in France

Used his leadership and wisdom to shape the new nation

Published Poor Richard's Almanack to teach wisdom

7. Which Bible verse best connects to Franklin's commitment to serving others and the public good?

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good..." (Ephesians 4:29)

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom..." (Proverbs 4:7)

"We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29)

✏️ Part 3: Personal Reflection and Application

8. Think about the discussion on breaking laws for good reasons. When, if ever, might it be right to disobey a human law? Use Biblical examples to support your answer.

9. How did God use Franklin's early hardships to build his character? Connect this to Romans 5:3-4: "tribulation works patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope."

10. My "I Will" Virtue Statement: Following Franklin's example, write your own commitment to growing in a Christian virtue. Complete this statement:

"I will be __________________ like Benjamin Franklin by ____________________

_________________________________________________________________"

11. How can you use your own gifts and talents to serve God and help your community, just as Franklin did?