Exodus 18:17

17 And the father-in-law of Moses said to him, "The thing that you are doing is not good.

Exodus 18:17 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 18:17

And Moses's father in law said unto him
Having observed what he did, and heard his answer to the question he put to him:

the thing that thou doest is not good;
not meaning that it was not morally good, or that it was morally evil; for it was certainly a good thing to inquire of the mind and will of God for the people, and to hear and decide matters in controversy between them, and do justice to both parties; but it was not good for the health of Moses; it was not commodious and convenient for him; it was not for his bodily welfare; it was too much for him, as he explains himself in the next verse.

Exodus 18:17 In-Context

15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to seek God.

16 When {they have an issue}, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make known God's rule and his instructions."

17 And the father-in-law of Moses said to him, "The thing that you are doing is not good.

18 Surely you will wear out, both you and this people who [are] with you, because the thing [is too] {difficult} for you. You are not able to do it alone.

19 Now listen to my voice; I will advise you, and may God be with you. You be for the people before God, and you bring the issues to God.