Exodus 18:17

17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, "You are not doing this right.

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 Then Moses said to his father-in-law, "It is because the people come to me for God's help in solving their disagreements.

16 When people have a disagreement, they come to me, and I decide who is right. I tell them God's laws and teachings."

17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, "You are not doing this right.

18 You and the people who come to you will get too tired. This is too much work for you; you can't do it by yourself.

19 Now listen to me, and I will give you some advice. I want God to be with you. You must speak to God for the people and tell him about their disagreements.