Torah Portion Yitro February 15 2020

The wisdom of counselors

 In our portion Yitro (Jethro) we learn that Moshe is sitting all day long answering questions and rendering judgments. Yitro points out to him that it is not good, that it wears the people and Moshe out.

Yitro suggests that Moshe share the burden of judgment, and follows it with “If you do this thing, and God command you.” It was a good suggestion, but Yitro recognized that God needs to approve even the best sounding ideas.

…And Moses chose men of ability from all Israel and made them heads over the people; rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they judged the people at all times; the hard matters they brought to Moses, and every small matter they judged themselves. (Exo 18:13-27)

The psalmist recognized the wisdom in Yitro’s suggestion as well.

In the absence of wise counsels the people fall, but safety is in abundance of counselors. (Pro 11:14)

 Counselors connected with justice, righteousness, and faithfulness

 Isaiah prophesied that the time would come that Elohim

…will return your judges as at the first; and your counselors, as at the beginning; then you shall be called the city of righteousness, a faithful city. Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her returning ones with righteousness. (Isa 1:22-27)

Why would counselors be connected with a city’s righteousness?

One reason is the qualification of a counselor. The person must be knowledgeable in the Torah, and as such will be able to direct the government in the paths of righteousness. If the counselor is unlearned in the Word of God, he won’t be able to discern the right way, nor will he be able to hear the Ruach ha Kodesh (Holy Spirit) guidance.

Thus says Yehovah, Stand in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls... (Jer 6:16)

Counselors of wisdom

Not all those who are wise have the right kind of wisdom. Paul cautioned the Corinthians:

Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. (1Co 3:18-19)

True wisdom shows

 How can we know what wisdom someone possesses? James gives us a list of signs of true wisdom to look for.

Who is wise and knowing among you? Let him show his works by his good behavior, in meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and contention in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, beastly, devilish. For where jealousy and contention are, there is confusion and every foul deed. But the wisdom from above is firstly truly pure, then peaceable, forbearing, yielding, full of mercy and of good fruits, not partial and not pretended. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for the ones making peace. (Jas 3:13-18)

As in all things, we need to be aware and cautious about who we choose as our counselors, and what their qualifications are. It is good to have counselors because they can help us discern if the path we are on is the right path, and if the decisions we are considering are as good as we think they are. It is equally important to be cautious that our counselors are qualified for the job from God’s perspective.

The best counselor

 The Holy Spirit is the ultimate counselor. If you are in tune with Him, and recognize His voice He will keep you on the straight path. Just make certain it is the Holy Spirit you are listening to and not some other spirit.