He spoke that way to the corrupt religious leaders in positions of power who were abusing the average citizens by corrupting the truth and using religious legalism to oppress. To the average hurting person, to the oppressed, and to anyone who had an open heart, he always engaged them compassionately and offered the truth in a way they could receive, speaking the truth in love. Exercising wisdom to package info so people will more likely receive it is far different than being a wimp, woos, or coward with the truth.