What role does humility play in receiving family advice, as seen in Exodus 18:6?

Setting the Scene: A Family Visit with Purpose

• Exodus 18:6: “He sent word to Moses: ‘I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.’”

• The message is simple, yet loaded with relational weight—Jethro announces himself not as a priest or elder but as “your father-in-law.”

• The verse signals that what follows is more than a social call; God is bringing family wisdom to shape Israel’s future leadership.

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Humility Hears Before It Acts

• Moses could have seen himself as too busy, too important, or too experienced to pause for Jethro. Instead, verse 7 shows him going out, bowing, and welcoming.

• Proverbs 12:15: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.” Humility makes that listening possible.

• James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Moses models this long before James writes it.

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The Model of Moses

1. Readiness to Receive

– Moses does not wait for Jethro to push his way in; he meets him halfway.

– Humility anticipates that God often speaks through close relationships.

2. Respectful Posture

– Bowing (18:7) shows Moses esteems the messenger, not just the message.

– 1 Peter 5:5: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.” Respect invites wisdom.

3. Willingness to Adjust

– After Jethro observes Moses’ heavy workload (18:13-18), Moses listens and implements a new structure (18:24-26).

– Proverbs 11:2: “With humility comes wisdom.” The fruit of Moses’ humility is a healthier nation.

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Lessons for Our Families Today

• Family counsel is God-designed: those who know us best can see blind spots we miss.

• True authority is not threatened by advice; it is refined by it.

• Humility positions us to discern God’s voice, whether it comes from a pulpit or a parent-in-law.

• Embracing advice with an open, teachable heart can transform personal leadership and bless everyone under our care, just as Israel flourished when Moses heeded Jethro.