Jacob nails Sherem's intentions without understanding his motives. It is interesting, however, what Jacob sets up as the key to the debate. Jacob implicitly concedes both the erudition and power of speaking to Sherem. Jacob does not say that he was not swayed because he could out-duel Sherem (though he will do that) but rather because Jacob is founded not on learning, but experience. Where Sherem preaches from his learning, Jacob preaches from his many direct experiences with God. Those are of much more tangible stuff than the fine words and tuned arguments Sherem will present.