Listening to Wise Counsel

After God rescued Israel from Egypt, provided manna and water in the desert, and gave them victory over the Amalekites, the people camped at Mount Sinai — the very mountain where God had first called Moses at the burning bush. Here, Moses faced not only the weight of leading a nation but also the strain of making judgments for over a million people.

Day after day, Moses sat from morning until evening as the people brought their disputes. The burden was heavy. The lines were long. The people grew frustrated. And Moses himself was wearing out.

It was here that God sent help from an unlikely source: his father-in-law, Jethro.

A Family Visit that Changed Everything

When Jethro arrived, he listened carefully as Moses recounted all the Lord had done — the plagues, the Passover, the Red Sea. Hearing it all, Jethro declared:

“Praise the Lord! Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods.” (Exodus 18:10–11)

In response, he offered a sacrifice and worshiped the God of Israel. Jethro’s faith came alive through Moses’ testimony.

But Jethro also came with practical wisdom. He observed Moses’ leadership and saw a serious problem:

“What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” (Exodus 18:17–18)

The Gift of Godly Advice

Jethro didn’t stop with criticism. He offered a solution:

• Moses should continue doing what only he could do — representing the people before God and teaching His decrees.

• But he should select capable, trustworthy men — leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens — to share the responsibility of judging everyday disputes.

• In this way, Moses could focus on prayer and teaching while others handled the load of leadership.

The result? The people would be served better, justice would be administered more quickly, and new leaders would be developed in the community.

Lessons for Us Today

1. Even strong leaders need help. Moses was chosen by God, yet he was never meant to carry the entire burden alone. None of us are.

2. Wise counsel can come from unexpected places. Moses’ father-in-law wasn’t an Israelite elder, but his advice was godly and life-giving. Are you willing to listen when wisdom comes from an unlikely source?

3. Delegation is not weakness — it’s faithfulness. By sharing responsibility, Moses created space to focus on what God uniquely called him to do. In the same way, healthy leadership equips others, builds up the body, and multiplies ministry.

4. Leaders grow in community. Jethro’s advice reminds us that God places people in our lives — mentors, peers, even family members — who can help us see what we can’t see ourselves.

Christ, Our Mediator

Moses’ role as mediator pointed forward to an even greater one. Centuries later, Paul wrote:

“There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Just as Moses stood between God and Israel, Christ stands between us and the Father — not only pleading our case, but offering His life as the final sacrifice for our sins.

A Call to Humble Listening

Moses could have resisted Jethro’s counsel out of pride. Instead, Scripture says:

“Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.” (Exodus 18:24)

True humility isn’t just listening to God — it’s also being willing to receive wisdom through others. Like Moses, may we be leaders, parents, friends, and disciples who listen, learn, and grow together.