Scripture Focus: “So Moses heeded the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.” Exodus 18:24–25 NKJV
Moses had led Israel through the Red Sea and into the wilderness, carrying on his shoulders the burden of a nation. But leadership was not only about miracles and victories; it also meant dealing with the everyday disputes of two million people. From morning till evening, Moses sat as judge, listening to quarrels, disagreements, and family issues. He was wise, but he was only one man. When Jethro, his father-in-law, observed this, he gave an honest warning: “The thing that you do is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people” (Exodus 18:17–18). Jethro’s advice was practical and life-saving: appoint capable men as leaders over groups, and let them handle the smaller matters while Moses focused on the bigger issues. This counsel was not just administrative brilliance; it was God’s provision through the voice of another man. Moses, though great, humbled himself to listen, and by listening, he preserved his health, his strength, and the future of Israel’s leadership.
The truth is this is no one is too anointed, too wise, or too experienced to ignore counsel. Every man, no matter how strong, needs at least one trusted voice in his life, someone who genuinely seeks his welfare, someone he can listen to without pride. Many leaders fail, not because they lack calling, but because they refuse to listen. Pride makes a man blind, but humility opens the door for preservation. Moses shows us that great men still need guidance. Sometimes that wisdom will come from unexpected people, even a father-in-law who may seem less significant compared to the weight of your assignment lyou will fulfill God’s purpose without breaking under the load, you must be willing to embrace the gift of wise counsel.
Prayer: Lord, give me a humble heart to recognize and receive wise counsel. Surround me with people who genuinely seek my good, and help me never to despise their voice. Amen.
Further Study: Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 19:20, 2 Samuel 17:14