Daily Discovery Bible Study

13 The following day Moses sat as a judge for the people, and they presented their cases to him from morning to evening.14 When his father-in-law saw everything that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What's all this you're doing for the people? Why are you sitting alone as judge, with everyone presenting their cases to you from morning to evening?”

15 “Because the people come to me to ask God for his decision,” Moses replied.16 “When they argue over something, the case is brought before me to decide between one them, and I explain to them the God's laws and regulations.”

17 Jethro told him, “What you're doing is not the best.18 You, and these people who come to you, are all going to wear yourselves out, because the workload is far too heavy. You can't handle it alone.19 So please listen to me. I'm going to give you some advice, and God will be with you. Yes, you must continue to be the people's representative before God, and take their cases to him.20 Go on teaching them the laws and regulations. Show them how to live and the work they are to do.21 But now you should choose men who are competent from among the people, men who respect God and who are trustworthy and not corrupt. Put them in charge of the people as leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.22 These men are to judge the people on a continuing basis. Major issues they can bring to you, but they can decide all the small matters themselves. In this way your burden will be made lighter as they share it with you.23 If you follow my advice, and if it's what God tells you to do, then you will be able to survive, and all these people can go home satisfied that their cases have been heard.”

Exodus 18: 13-23