Good Advice

But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. [Exodus 18.21]

I am not sure how these divisions worked out mathematically, but I think in this advice given by Moses' father-in-law Jethro we find a solid pattern for advice-giving.

First, Jethro was "inner circle" to Moses. He was the father of Moses' wife. Jethro was not just 'anybody' coming in to tell Moses what to do (others would try but their outcomes were disastrous). It would seem Moses' relationship to his father-in-law might even rank more important than his relationship to his own siblings (Aaron and Miriam). So, qualifier number one is that to give advice, one really needs to be "close."

The next important qualifier for listening to advice is to determine if the advice-giver places himself above God. Look carefully at what Jethro told Moses:

If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” [Exodus 18.23]

Look closely at what I underlined above. Jethro really felt his advice was good, but he put responsibility back on Moses to confirm it with God. Now that is good advice!

Father, help us to hear advice from others, but help us also discern what is good advice and what is not.