Jethro in the Bible: Wise Counsel From Unexpected Places
Jethro is best known as Moses’ father-in-law, a Midianite priest who offered wise counsel and recognized the power of God. Today, we’ll look at the life of Jethro in the Bible and consider some practical lessons we can learn from him.
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Jethro in the Bible: Wise Counsel From Outside the Inner Circle
Before we consider the lessons we can learn from Jethro, let’s make sure we grasp the backstory.
Moses had fled from Egypt to Midian after murdering an Egyptian. He became a shepherd in Midian and married a Midianite woman named Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro.
While in Midian, God called Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Hebrew people to freedom from Pharaoh. Moses followed the commission and led the people across the Red Sea and into the wilderness.
There, Jethro traveled to see Moses.
In his wisdom, Jethro saw that Moses was facing burnout. All the Hebrew people came to Moses for guidance, and there was too much work for one man.
Jethro wisely advised Moses to delegate the responsibilities, putting leaders in charge of various groups. Moses followed this advice.
Jethro was not a Hebrew, but he even facilitated a Hebrew worship service and offered sacrifices to God, acknowledging the power of the God of Israel.
Let’s look at some lessons we can learn from the life of Jethro in the Bible.
Lessons From Jethro in the Bible
1. Wise advice can come from unexpected places.
Many years ago, I faced a personal crisis resulting from reckless decisions I had made. At the time, I was working in a remote wilderness camp for several months. I knew I needed to verbally process what had happened and talk to someone wiser to find healing, but no one in the camp fit the mold of someone I would typically share with.
Most of the people with whom I worked weren’t followers of Christ, and most of them were much older than me.
After much inner turmoil, I eventually shared my troubles with an older woman who seemed kind and caring. She listened with empathy and compassion and offered insight that helped me heal.
The experience taught me something I’ve carried with me: Wise advice can come from unexpected places.
Most of my close friends are followers of Christ, but I also have friends who aren’t followers. At times, all of these friends are able to offer love, wisdom, and support.
When we close ourselves off to authentic relationships with others because of different beliefs, we lose the gifts these people can bring into our lives.
We should weigh all advice against the truth of God’s Word. We need Christian friends who can sharpen us and point us to Christ. Meanwhile, wisdom can also come from people who are vastly different than us. When we’re open to learning from them, bonds grow stronger, and they will be more open to learning from us as well.
Moses was open to receiving wisdom from Jethro even though Jethro was not a Hebrew. Jethro’s advice was full of wisdom, insight, and care.
2. Correction with concern is a gift.
Jethro carefully observed Moses before offering advice. He cared about Moses and didn’t want Moses to exhaust himself by doing too much.
Because Jethro offered advice with love and care, Moses received it as a gift rather than an attack.
This is a good example for us to follow. When we feel led to correct others, the best way to do so is using care and compassion, making it clear that we are concerned about their well-being.
3. Exhaustion is not a badge of faithfulness.
Jethro warned Moses that he would wear out: “You will surely wear out . . .” (Exodus 18:18, NASB).
The badge of busyness should not be worn with pride. God does not call us to wear ourselves out. We are to work at his pace, making time for rest and replenishment while also learning to delegate the work in front of us.
4. Delegation brings strength.
Jus as many advisors bring wise counsel, delegation brings strength.
When we allow different people to bring their skills and talents to situations, they improve these situations.
5. Integrity is foundational to leadership.
Jethro helped Moses find leaders who feared God and were honest.
This is a reminder that integrity is important when it comes to choosing leaders.
6. God values order.
Scripture repeatedly places value on order and structure.
The system of shared leadership brought peace and order, benefitting God’s people.
7. Listening to wise counsel yields blessing.
Moses followed Jethro’s advice, and the people benefitted.
Wisdom brings rest to leaders and their followers.
Final Thoughts on Lessons From Jethro in the Bible
Jethro’s life reminds us that wisdom can come from unexpected places. We’re also reminded that God cares about order and doesn’t want his children to burn out from exhaustion. At times, God’s provision comes in the form of unexpected, loving correction.
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