Jethro's Advice
J. C. Gray. Exodus 18:17-22 And Moses' father in law said to him, The thing that you do is not good.… I. THE GIVER OF THIS ADVICE. Jethro. 1. An old man. The father-in-law of Moses, who was now fully eighty years of age. Age has had experience of life. Time for observation. Old men have seen and noted causes of success and failure. Less likely than the young to give bad advice. Are less moved by passion. Taught by memory. Are near to eternity. 2. Thoughtful. His advice shows his thoughtfulness. Thought founded on observation. He saw the labour of Moses and the extent of the camp. 3. Affectionate. He was a relative of Moses. Looked kindly also on this great host of fugitives. Near relatives, amongst those who are most anxious for our welfare. 4. Disinterested. He had nothing to gain personally by giving it, save the satisfaction of his own mind and conscience. 5. Pious. Priest of Midian. Had a respect for the God of Israel. "Rejoiced for all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel" (Acts 11:22-24). The advice of men that fear God, who are men of prayer, and love the Bible, not to be slighted; it will be agreeable to the mind of God. II. THE RECEIVER OF THIS ADVICE. Moses. He did not slight Jethro's advice, although — 1. He was in direct communication with God. And we should respect the words of good men, although we have also the Word of God. We have need to be reminded of words, precepts, and promises, that we may overlook; or of laws, etc., that we may not understand. 2. He had been eminently successful. Such a man, if not humble, might have been very self-reliant; and have spurned the advice of another. Success makes some unmanageable and proud. 3. He was himself an aged man. Might have thought himself too old to be taught. As competent to give advice as Jethro. Inexperienced youth often puffed up by a little knowledge. The more one really knows the more one feels his ignorance. 4. He doubtless laid the advice he received before the Lord. Jethro made this a condition (ver. 23). Are we willing that the advice we give should be tested by the Word of God? Do we so test the advice we receive? 5. He acted upon it, and benefited by doing so. Much good advice is lost in this world. Evaded, though good, because of trouble, or indifference, or pride. The character of the adviser, or his opinion on other matters, made an excuse for neglecting his words. Will God excuse the neglecter?Learn — 1. To do good by word and deed, as we have opportunity, unto all men. 2. To get good, from all men, as opportunity offers. (J. C. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. WEB: Moses' father-in-law said to him, "The thing that you do is not good.