📖 Reading Passage: Benjamin Franklin – A Life of Virtues

Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the fifteenth of seventeen children in a hardworking family. From a young age, Benjamin showed a strong desire to learn and improve himself. He taught himself to read and write, practiced copying books, and worked as an apprentice in his brother's printing shop. This early diligence laid the foundation for his many future successes.

Franklin's humility was evident throughout his life. Even as he became famous for his inventions and writings, he remained willing to listen to others and learn from their advice. He never acted proud or boastful but instead sought to grow in knowledge and character. This humble spirit helped him build strong relationships and serve his community well.

Wisdom guided Franklin's decisions both in science and public service. He invented the lightning rod to protect buildings from fire, demonstrating careful thought and concern for others' safety. Beyond inventions, Franklin helped organize libraries, fire departments, and schools, believing that serving others was a Christian duty. He understood that true success comes from using one's talents to benefit the community, not from selfish pride.

Franklin once said, "Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning." His faith shaped his understanding that God gives us gifts and talents to be used wisely and shared generously. Through diligence, humility, and wisdom, Benjamin Franklin's life teaches us how Christian virtues can lead to meaningful achievement and service.

📝 Part 1: Fill in the Blanks

Use these words: diligence, humility, wisdom

🔗 Part 2: Match Achievements to Virtues

Draw a line from each achievement to the virtue that helped make it possible.

💭 Part 3: Personal Application

✝️ Part 4: Bible Verse Reflection

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." - Proverbs 9:10