Scripture:

And I, when I came to you, brethren, came not in excellence of word, or wisdom, announcing to you the testimony of God. For I did not judge it well to know anything among you save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling; and my word and my preaching, not with persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and power; that you faith might not stand in men's wisdom, but in God's power.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
John Darby

Consideration:
I'm working on a quote that will basically say something along the lines of...

"The Wiser someone gets, the farther from the Truth they tend to stray"

Paul had the benefit of a thoroughly enriched education. He was well gifted and knowledgeable in the Torah. He would have been trained to recite sections even pages off by heart. And yet he is understanding enough to know better then to hit converts and new believers with fancy words and jargons. He focused wholly on the Holy. And grave full credit to Gods saving grace through Jesus Christ.

There are those who will enjoy sharing their hard earned knowledge. Without sensitivity to the listener. Who better understand and accept what they are saying with blind faith. Or be deemed the sort of fool they have little time for.

In a recent Evangelical Outreach held in Lithgow and Bathurst of New South Wales Australia; this very thing was stressed. We need to speak the language of the person we are praying to bring to the Lord. Not condescendingly. Nor in a way that diminishes the message by using any foul language they may use.

But in a way that talks to them on there level and to where they are at. In a way that they will be able to relate an understand fully. These can be called inclusive and open ended statements.

"Not with persuasive words of wisdom,
but in demonstration of the spirit and power;"

It has been said that most people recognise a fake person a mile away. The tone of the voice. The cocky tilt of the head. The self assured attitude that says they have all the answers. Just listen to them and be saved. And the natural defences go up and any chance to reach them is lost.

So the warning is to avoid the attitude that we "can't tolerate idiots" and to focus on patiently sharing our gospel journey and message. There are certainly enough Proverbs that talk on this topic. Or as Paul expressed it here; he shared the gospel message through his demonstrations of the spirit and power of God. Through the gospel message he shared with the brethren.

If in the event the other person is using sarcasm and insult to debate and denounce the gospel message, then just walk away. Don't be dragged down to their level and play into their game. Yes, even Proverbs speaks on this too. I could possibly post verses here. But it might be better for readers to find them as they explore the Old Testament.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I seek not to impart my wisdom on others,
But to share you glorious message of love,
Through the gift of Salvation found only in
the redeeming blood of Jesus Christ,
As shed on the Cross for all.

Please keep me from the sin of pride,
For none of my words have any power,
Outside the power that comes from you.
The power and truth of your Holy Book,
Written and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

I pray this in the name of my saviour,
Jesus Christ.

Amen