Sherem was very well-educated, in fact Jacob said he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the Nephites which was of course Hebrew. Jacob also says this man was a great orator, but that his skill in persuading people was neither honest nor righteous. It was according to the power of the devil. Jacob says the audacity of this man was astonishing. Sherem actually thought he could shake Jacob's faith in spite of all the revelations Jacob had received from the Lord. Jacob had seen angels and had personally heard the voice of the Lord, not just once, but from time to time throughout his life.