“….But Yitro’s advice also comes as a challenge. The challenge is whether we are able to listen when advice and even criticism comes from someone who does not share our own commitments. Moshe meets this challenge and teaches us that we need to listen to what others have to say if it is correct.

But that does not translate into listening to all. Just like we have high standards for the Jews to whom we listen, we should also have high standards for gentiles as well. When they show the righteousness and sensitivity of a Yitro, it is time for us to hear their critique as well as their counsel. And an important part of that sensitivity is Yitro’s awareness that any critique must meet our religious norms. This he shows when he tells Moshe that his suggestion is subject to approval by God. Admittedly not a test we can readily administer today, we must always ask ourselves how any piece of advice and its giver would be looked upon by God.

The person who seeks to improve should always be on the lookout for good advice. In such a search, he is wise to put preconceptions aside and realize that wisdom can come from unexpected places.”