GOOBER TAKES A CAR APART - The Andy Griffith Show (Bible Study)

bethelwesleyan
Sep 28
4 min read

A Clip from Goober Takes a Car Apart

(Season 5, Episode #17 - Original Airdate: November 1, 1965)

When Andy goes to the Sheriff’s Safety Conference in Mt. Pilot for a day and a half, he needs someone to answer the phone at the courthouse. Goober really wants to do it, but he is also obligated to repair Gilly Walker’s car. So he takes the car apart, reassembles it in the courthouse, and works on it there, much to Andy’s aggravation...

 James 1:19-25 “19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do.”

LESSON POINTS

Listening and Doing - Goober (Proverbs 19:20)

Promises - Goober

Second Chances - Andy and Goober

Anger - Andy (Ephesians 4:25-27, 31-32)

DISCUSSION

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, listening means, “to pay attention to sound” or “to hear something with thoughtful attention.” Why are most people poor listeners?

Here are a few reasons most people are poor listeners, both in life and spiritually:

Distractions – Our minds wander, and we’re often thinking about what we’ll say next instead of truly paying attention (James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak”).
Self-focus – Like Goober, sometimes we’re more concerned with our own way of doing things than with carefully considering what’s actually being said.
Assumptions – People often think they already know what’s being said, so they stop listening thoughtfully.
Lack of patience – True listening requires slowing down, and many don’t want to take the time.
Spiritual deafness – In Scripture, Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15). The problem isn’t ears—it’s whether the heart is willing to truly listen and obey.

So, most people are poor listeners because they don’t combine attention with thoughtfulness. They hear sounds, but they don’t take the time to understand, reflect, or respond properly.

Of the four primary modes of communication—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—which one is used the most and the least? Which one was learned first and last? Which one is taught the most and the least?

Because that episode is all about communication breakdowns. Goober “heard” but didn’t really listen, which is a problem many of us have. Let’s walk through the four modes of communication:

Which is used the most?

Listening is the most used. Studies show we spend more time listening than reading, writing, or speaking. Most of our day involves hearing directions, conversations, or even sermons.

Which is used the least?

Writing is used the least. People may jot notes, send texts, or write reports—but compared to listening, reading, and speaking, it takes up the smallest share of our communication time.

Which was learned first?

Listening is learned first. Babies listen long before they ever speak or read.

Which was learned last?

Writing is learned last. Children speak and listen early, learn to read in school, and finally develop writing skills after that.

Which is taught the most?

Reading and writing are taught the most in school. Huge amounts of time are spent on literacy.

Which is taught the least?

Listening is taught the least—even though it’s the one we use the most. People assume it comes naturally, but in reality, careful listening takes training and practice.

Have you ever made a promise that you didn’t keep? Has someone ever broken a promise that was made to you? What does breaking a promise say to others?

Many of us have, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes we speak too quickly without thinking (Ecclesiastes 5:5 reminds us, “It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.”).

Has someone ever broken a promise to you?

Broken promises hurt deeply because they weaken trust. People remember not only what we say, but whether we follow through.

What does breaking a promise say to others?

It communicates carelessness, unreliability, or even disrespect. At its root, it says, “My word can’t be trusted.” That’s why Jesus taught, “Let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no” (Matthew 5:37).

Have you ever given someone a second chance? What was the outcome? Have you ever been given a second change? Did you take advantage of it?

Sometimes second chances bring growth, healing, and restored relationships. Other times, people may fail again—but offering grace still shows the love of Christ.

Have you ever been given a second chance? Did you take advantage of it?

Most of us can think of times when we messed up and someone showed patience with us. When we respond with humility and change, second chances can be life-changing.

Why do second chances matter?

They communicate forgiveness, patience, and hope. More importantly, they reflect the heart of God, who gives us countless “second chances” through His mercy.