Exodus 18: Wise Counsel

Key Verse: Exodus 18:21"Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens."

Moses is leading a nation of newly freed slaves. Every day, people come to him with their disputes, their questions, and their problems. From morning until evening, he listens, advises, and settles matters.

It’s exhausting.

Then, his father-in-law, Jethro, arrives. He watches as Moses singlehandedly judges case after case. And then he asks the question that changes everything:

"What you are doing is not good." (Exodus 18:17)

Moses is doing all the right things—but in the wrong way. He is taking on too much, and it’s wearing him out.

A Better Way

Jethro gives him wise counsel:

• Delegate. Appoint leaders over groups of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.

• Choose wisely. These must be men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate corruption.

• Only handle the hardest cases. Let the leaders manage everyday disputes.

Moses listens. He follows the advice, and the burden is lifted.

A Lesson for Us

Sometimes, we think we have to do everything ourselves. We carry too much, take on too many responsibilities, and refuse to ask for help.

But God never designed us to do life alone.

• We need wise counsel. Jethro saw what Moses couldn’t. We all need people who will speak truth into our lives.

• We need to let go. Moses was trying to do too much. Are we?

• We need to trust others. Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about equipping others.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Trying to do too much? Maybe it’s time to listen to wise counsel, release control, and let God show you a better way.