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Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How to Choose Words Wisely and Well
Joseph Telushkin is renowned for his warmth, his erudition, and his richly anecdotal insights, and in Words That Hurt, Words That Heal he focuses these gifts on the words we use in public and in private, revealing their tremendous power to shape relationships. With wit and wide-ranging intelligence, Rabbi Telushkin explains the harm in spreading gossip, rumors, or others'...more
Paperback, 240 pages
Published
August 19th 1998
by William Morrow Paperbacks
(first published 1996)
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This is by far the best book I've ever read on how we use our words. Telushkin gives great examples of so many common social situations and disarms them by calling out the right and the wrong in them. It's convicting in a clean way that inspires you with clear direction on how to love your neighbor as yourself.
"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, criticis...more
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, criticis...more
Words have power, and using "right speech" is so important. Rabbi Telushkin explains the harm in spreading gossip, rumors, or others' secrets, and how unfair anger, excessive criticism, or lying undermines true communication. I've read this book more than once, and it's great to have a refresher course on right speech, because we all fall into bad patterns occasionally.
Anybody interested in a self-improvement project that will keep you busy for the rest of your life? This book convicted me about the power of my words, both in the big things and the seemingly little ones. The section on the power of parents' words to their children has stuck with me since I read it.
Take a look around your world and see if applying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" wouldn't be an improvement. The author is encouraging and realistic, acknowledging that...more
Take a look around your world and see if applying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" wouldn't be an improvement. The author is encouraging and realistic, acknowledging that...more
I admit - this book called me to repentance in a lot of ways. It was compelling, interesting, and very true (at least in my case!). I'll have to read it again, I think, later...
This was a nice book. Don't gossip! Use words of love, gratitude, and caring. A bit dated in its examples, but worth reading. It's a reminder to be kindest to those who mean the most to you.
Very convicting in a good way. A great book for anyone concerned with controlling your tongue from a Biblical perspective.
Sep 23, 2010
Craig J.
added it
"Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How to Choose Words Wisely and Well by Joseph Telushkin (1998)"
One of the most important books I've read.
This book is a must-read!
Excellent! It's about why speaking "negative truths" about someone behind their back is immoral. Most have been taught that if it's true, then it's okay to repeat. But who wants to be known for all of the bad things they've done, even if they are true? Note: there are a couple of paragraphs where you may want to use discernment … chew the fish and spit out the bones.
A powerful way to show the importance of "negative truths" and the power of what we say to each other or about others. I would recommend this book to others for sure - I sort of wish everyone that is an educator had to read this book, it would truly change what is said in the teacher lunch area that is for sure.
Great guide to ethical speech. I did find it amusing that the author used so many anecdotes about people while expounding on why talking about people is usually a bad idea, but I understood why he needed to and it was good to have the illustrative examples.
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This was an incredible book and convicting in so many ways. It's one that I want to continue to read periodically and recommend to people I kjnow because of how well he explains the power words have to do lasting damage and to be life-giving.
My attempt at self-improvement!
Excellent book on how what we say affects our relationships and the people around us. I'll reread over and over as a reminder to practice this in daily life. Based on Jewish religious texts.
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This is so great. It is a short read and will really help your relationships if you take it to heart. I should read it for a refresher course often!
Really good book for self examination. I added a number of good quotes to my colleciton from this book.
Our society needs this book. Humanity needs it.
A very, very important book!!!
Jun 06, 2013
Rivka Becker
marked it as to-read
May 18, 2013
Josephine
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Associate of CLAL, the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.
Ordained at Yeshiva University and Rabbi Telushkin pursued graduate studies in Jewish history at Columbia University.
More about Joseph Telushkin...
Ordained at Yeshiva University and Rabbi Telushkin pursued graduate studies in Jewish history at Columbia University.
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