something real about that. It helps to have a wife who knows that praise can be harmful, and without seeking to be a thorn in the flesh, she can also be the one who pulls you back to reality. When people say kind things about me, I know that they’re responding to the teaching of the Word of God and the work of the Spirit through the Word. And I’m just grateful. It always surprises me, and I’m grateful. On the other hand, I decided a long time ago not to try to defend myself against criticism. If