Exodus 18:21

Able men. Jethro not only counseled Moses to choose “able men” but listed the qualifications these men should have — piety, moral integrity, and fairness. His conception of the character of a true judge leaves little to be desired. If these qualities were required today in the choice of men for responsible positions in government, the strength of a nation would be greatly increased. Rulers. The system proposed by Jethro would guarantee fair treatment for all. Little matters could thus be decided by the family heads, the “rulers of tens.” More difficult cases would be referred to the next higher authority, or court of appeal. Matters of a more serious nature would be brought to the “rulers of thousands.”