But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”
“You people really know everything, don’t you? And when you die, wisdom will die with you!
But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”
But Moses protested again, “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?”
“But Lord!” Moses objected. “My own people won’t listen to me anymore. How can I expect Pharaoh to listen? I’m such a clumsy speaker!”
But Moses argued with the Lord, saying, “I can’t do it! I’m such a clumsy speaker! Why should Pharaoh listen to me?”
“O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you.
Moses was taught all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was powerful in both speech and action.
For some say, “Paul’s letters are demanding and forceful, but in person he is weak, and his speeches are worthless!”
I may be unskilled as a speaker, but I’m not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every possible way.