Midras Keluaran 18:23: Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael, Ein Yaakov (Glick Edition), Midrash Tanchuma Buber & Shemot Rabbah

R. Shimon says: Why do (the mitzvoth of) adjudication take precedence over all the mitzvoth of the Torah? For when there is litigation between a man and his neighbor, there is strife between them. Once the ruling has been given, there is peace between them. And thus did Yithro say (Exodus 18:23) "If you do this thing (i.e., if you provide for adjudication) … then all this people will come to their place in peace."

There was one who used to say: "Happy is he who hears [himself abused] and minds it not; he will escape a hundred evils." Said R. Samuel to R. Juda: "This is written in the Scripture (Ps. 17, 14) As one letteth loose a stream of water so is the beginning of strife." There was another man who used to say: "A thief is not killed for stealing two or three times." And Samuel said to R. Juda: "This is also written in a passage (Am. 2, 5) Thus hath said the Lord, for three transgressions of Israel, and for four, will I not turn away their punishment." There was another man who used to say: "Seven pits are open for the righteous man [and he escapes]; but one for the evil doer into which he falls." Samuel said to R. Juda; "This also is written in a passage (Prov. 24, 16) For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; but the wicked stumble under adversity." There was another man who used to say: "Let him whose cloak the court has taken away, sing a song and go on his way." Samuel said to R. Juda: "This is also written in the Scriptures (Ex. 18, 23) The whole of this people [including the loser] will come to its place in peace." There was another man who used to say: "When she slumbers, the basket [upon her head] drops — i.e., laziness begets ruin." Samuel again said to R. Juda: "This is written in the Scriptures (Ecc. 10, 18) Through slothful hands the rafters will sink," etc. There was another man who used to say: "The man on whom I relied lifted up his club and stood against me." Samuel said to R. Juda. "This is written in the following passage (Ps. 41, 10) Yea, even the man that should have sought my welfare, in whom I trusted, who eateth my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me."

(Ibid. 23) "If you would do this thing, etc.": Go and take counsel with the Omnipotent. "and G–d command you, you will be able to bear up." If He consents to you, you will be able to bear up. If not, you will not be able to bear up.