Episode Title: “Barney’s First Car”

Lesson Title: “ A Dip In The Road”

Biblical Theme: Folly

Proverbs 14:29 A patient man has great understanding, but a quick tempered man displays folly.

Folly is foolishness and impatient people are filled with it. This is why even or “information age” is long on knowledge but short on wisdom. Folly ends where wisdom starts, with the honor and respect of God. More than just knowing, wisdom means living in a right manner, without folly. How can you begin to live a folly free life? Go to the source of divine wisdom. First, ask God for wisdom. Second, learn his Word. And third, live according to him.

Parable: The Moral of Mayberry…

When it came to folly, Barney had a full tank, as for wisdom, he was running on empty. When Andy advised him to take it slow, Barney broke the speed limit to make a deal. And while Mrs. Lesh said the car was a cherry, Barney soon soured on a lemon, between Barney and the car, it’s hard to tell which got used more! Briefly, describe how each person engaged or avoided folly.

Andy: encouraged patience, consideration.

Barney: wanted to satisfy himself too much.

Mrs. Lesh: easily deceived a desperate sucker.

What mistake have you made recently? How could you have avoided it?

Personal response.

The foundation of folly is selfishness. Usually a fool wants the worst thing for him the most, money, power, prestige. But the way to wisdom is to work for the good of others. Then the fruits of wisdom will be peace, security, and prosperity. Read 2^nd. Chronicles 1:12. Consider the difference in motives for Barney and Andy.

What made Barney easy to deceive? Why could Andy be more cautious than Barney?

Barney was impatient for the new car. He wanted what was best for himself. Andy simply wanted what was best for Barney. He didn’t try to gain personal benefit from the events.

Often, fools don’t learn their lesson, until they gain wisdom. Knowledge alone doesn’t demand changes, but wisdom requires discipline in your life. The beginning of knowledge that leads to wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Read Proverbs 1:7. Consider how smart Mrs. Lesh was.

Did Mrs. Lesh have worldly knowledge or heavenly wisdom? What is the difference?

She had worldly knowledge but not heavenly wisdom. Her knowledge came from man, such as how to patch up a car. Wisdom comes from God and instructs us to live right.

Folly is an attitude in action, but wisdom can be too. Don’t be a fool who acts like a know-it-all. Instead, humbly learn how to learn from others, especially those who know you well. A person who listens to advice shows he has earned the wisdom to realize he is not always right. Read Proverbs 12:15.

Was Barney more upset about the broken car or being foolish? Which was easier to fix?

He may have been upset about both. Gaining wisdom can take much more work than fixing cars, but can be much more rewarding.

At the end, what kept Barney from gaining wisdom? What kept Andy from acting foolish?

Barney had a know-it-all attitude that kept him from learning anything more. Andy had an attitude of humility that kept him from putting himself above others and acting like a fool.

Reflection: At The Fishing Hole…

Psalm 111:10: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Life doesn’t make us wise, the Lord does. We won’t become wise simply by life experience, because God doesn’t think like the world thinks. Read 1rst. Corinthians 1:19. Rather than human wisdom, we need a personal relationship with our Lord. You must build your foundation for decisions on the source of wisdom , God. As you decrease your sinning, you develop understanding. If you don’t , you’re doomed to make foolish mistakes. Read Proverbs 16:22.

Like Barney, have you been impatient to satisfy yourself? Give an example?

Personal response.

Mrs. Lesh won by wits more than wisdom, she made her way when others lost theirs. With wits, we may catch an occasional break from another’s mistake. But when we put others first, God will grant us lasting wisdom, in order to benefit others. To please God, fear him and shun evil, then you will understand how to help others. Read Job 28:28.

Like Mrs. Lesh, have you benefited from the folly of others? Give an example.

Personal response.

Barney rarely learns anything because he thinks he knows everything. While a mocker defends folly with a deaf ear to criticism, a wise person welcomes corrections from his elders and God. Read Proverbs 9:8. If you find wisdom hard to receive, see if your attitude is the obstacle. God can tell you how to live right, after all, he created your life.

Unlike Barney, have you learned a lesson from folly? Give an example.

Personal response.

Action: Get Out Your Bullet…

James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

If you suffer from folly, seek God for wisdom. We develop wisdom by using God’s Word to make wise decisions day after day. With wisdom, we can tell right from wrong and detect evil motives in others. Read Proverbs 2:12. However, we won’t receive wisdom from God if our goals are self-centered rather than Christ-centered. If you work to please yourself, you’ll reap folly in the form of misery, but if you work to please God, you’ll reap wisdom and eternal life. Read Galatians 6:7.

How will you live a folly fee life?

First ask God for wisdom. Second, learn his Word. And third, live according to him.

How will you develop wisdom day after day?

Daily use God’s Word to make wise decisions, tell right from wrong and detect evil motives.

What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom.

Knowledge can come from man. True wisdom only comes from God. More than just knowing, wisdom means living in a right manner. Wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord.

Is there a type of mistake you continue to make? Have you prayed for wisdom?

Personal response.