“Make thyself a craftsman in speech, for thereby thou shalt gain the upper hand.”
– On a 3000 year old Egyptian tomb (HT: John Zimmer)“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God….
…And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
– In a 2000 year old letter to Corinth from a Christian apostle
An interesting contrast, is it not? Skill in speech has its value, but if it becomes a replacement for the power of God, you get converts to men (who are too often seeking to gain the upper hand) rather than to God.
Mind Renewers 
Good thoughts. I have been listening to a series of messages by a friend of mine. He isn’t the most polished speaker. He’s adequate, but no pizzazz.
However, I have been very blessed by his striking ability to simplify complicated topics. The kind of insight that makes you go, “Now why didn’t I ever think of it that way before?” Thank the Lord that he has gifted men to teach, not simply to speak.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Such a contrast and such profound truths expressed.
Thank you, gentlemen. Jesus said it is the truth that sets people free, not the eloquence. If eloquence makes it easier for people to hear the truth, well and good, but what if it steals the focus of the hearers?