Exodus 18:17-23

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁷ Moses’s father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. ¹⁸ You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.^{(A) 19} Now listen to me. I will give you counsel, and God be with you! You should represent the people before God and bring their cases to God.^{(B) 20} Teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do.^{(C) 21} You should also look for able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.^{(D) 22} Let them sit as judges for the people at all times; let them bring every important case to you but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.^{(E) 23} If you do this and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their homes in peace.”