prove the ‘things of which they were accusing him.’ (Acts 24:13) Similarly, on one occasion Jesus Christ asked his opposers: “Who of you convicts me of sin?”​—John 8:46.

There are occasions, though, when a defense must be made under unfavorable circumstances. Public officials, such as judges, might demand a reply. Though the questions may be propounded in such a way as to belittle him and his message, the witness of Jehovah need not become angry and reflect resentment or irritation. He can remain calm and display mildness when making his reply. Knowing that the “eyes of Jehovah are upon the righteous ones,” he rightly manifests deep respect, as if he were in the presence of God. (1 Pet. 3:12) Such conduct is in harmony with the admonition found at 1 Peter 3:15: “Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.”

Whereas fighting with words could only worsen the situation, the testimony of fine conduct cannot be disputed. No reasonable person would ever conclude that qualities like unselfishness, kindness, helpfulness and empathy are characteristic of a hateful people. So praiseworthy conduct on the part of true Christians, along with calm persistence in a positive presentation of the Bible’s teachings, is their best defense against defamers. Fine conduct can muzzle ignorant talk and contribute toward helping others to become glorifiers of Jehovah God.

Questions From Readers

● It seems that so often husbands leave to their wives the task of training and disciplining the children. What does the Bible say on this? Is it really ‘the wife’s job’?

It is true that in many places men feel that the wife is the one to guide and correct the children. But the Bible does not agree; it shows plainly that both mates have that duty.​—Prov. 1:5.

Of course, a person should be reasonable and realistic about the circumstances in many families. Often the husband does secular work to support the family, so he is away much of the day. And in many cases the wife works in the home most of the time, there making her valuable contribution to the happiness and well-being of the entire family. If she is the member of the husband-and-wife team who is in contact with the children regularly during the day, it is natural that she will give them much of the guidance and discipline that they need.

But, really, what more and more women resent is their husband’s reluctance to share in training the children when he is at home with the family.

What the Bible says about training and disciplining the children is both wise and instructive. For instance, we read: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it. Chastise your son and he will bring you rest and give much pleasure to your soul.” (Prov. 22:6; 29:17) God places the responsibility on both father and mother. Thus his counsel to children is: “Observe, O my son, the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Listen to your father who caused your birth, and do not despise your mother just because she has grown old.” (Prov. 6:20; 23:22) Hence, even if a man may be away from the home during the day, he should be actively interested in raising his children successfully. He is not merely ‘the breadwinner.’

However, he may come home tired, seeking ‘peace and quiet.’ When, therefore, a day-to-day problem involving the children is brought up,