Words That Hurt, Words That Heal by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin

Words That Hurt, Words That Heal by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin ISBN-13: 9780688163501 Trade Paperback: 240 pages Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks Released: August 19, 1998

Source: Bought through Half.com.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Words That Hurt, Words That Heal focuses on the words we use in public and in private, revealing their tremendous power to shape relationships. Rabbi Telushkin explains the harm in spreading gossip, rumors, or others' secrets, and how unfair anger, excessive criticism, or lying undermines true communication. By sensitizing us to subtleties of speech we may never have considered before, he shows us how to turn every exchange into an opportunity.


My Review:
Words That Hurt, Words That Heal is an ethical living book based on the teachings of Jewish rabbis (which are based on the Jewish Bible). It not only looked at what the rabbis taught, but why they taught it. The author gave examples of people whose lives were ruined or built up by words. This powerfully underscored the point being made.

The book discussed how words are powerful, how we speak about others (gossip, true but harmful comments, etc.) and how we speak to others (anger, fear, criticism, accepting rebukes, etc.) can effect relationships and lives, how words can heal, and how to apply what we've learned.

I thought this book was very thought-provoking and that the author had a good grasp of human nature--why we gossip, etc., and that people aren't going to be able to change habits overnight. I'd highly recommend this book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


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