Eloquence

The ability to speak with fluency and persuasive power, using words appropriate to the circumstances.

Examples of lack of eloquence

Exodus 4:10 See also Exodus 6:12, Exodus 6:30; 2 Corinthians 10:10, 2 Corinthians 11:6

“Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.”

Preaching the gospel does not rely on human eloquence

1 Corinthians 1:17 See also 1 Corinthians 1:19–21, 1 Corinthians 2:1, 1 Corinthians 13:1

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Eloquence that comes from God

Acts 6:9–10 See also Exodus 4:11, Exodus 4:15–16; Isaiah 32:4; Mark 13:11; Luke 21:15; Acts 18:4, Acts 19:8–10

But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They disputed with Stephen, but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

Examples of eloquence in speeches

Acts 5:35–40, Acts 17:22–23, Acts 18:24–28

Eloquent words may lead to sin

Proverbs 7:21 See also Psalm 12:3–4, Psalm 55:21; Proverbs 2:16, Proverbs 5:3, Proverbs 6:24, Proverbs 29:5

With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him.

Sayings concerning eloquence

Psalm 45:1 See also Proverbs 10:31–32, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 22:11; Ecclesiastes 10:12

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.