Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How to Choose Words Wisely and Well

From the New York Times bestselling author of Rebbe comes this newly revised edition of Words That Hurt, Words That Heal—an invaluable guide in how choosing the right words can enrich our relationships and give us insight to improve every facet of our lives.

“I don’t know anyone whose life would not be blessed by this book.”—Rabbi Harold S. Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People and Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life

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’ 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.

In this fully revised edition, Joseph Telushkin brings this classic into the modern age. Remarkable for its clarity and practicality, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal illuminates the powerful effects we create by what we say and how we say it.

| Words That Hurt, Words That Heal brings Telushkin's famously warm and erudite perspective to bear on the words we use both in public and in private, and illustrates their power to build relationships -- or tear them down. Telushkin explains the harm we do when we spread gossip, teaches why anger, criticism, and lying destroy any possibility of true communication, and shows how to turn every exchange into an opportunity. We discover subtleties of speech we may never have considered before-and we uncover the true meaning of what we say.

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“At a time when bipartisan civility is attacked as political weakness and tolerance is ridiculed as “political correctness,” this book is more necessary than ever. As much as Joseph Telushkin is a learned rabbi, a fluent writer, and an eloquent speaker, he is most importantly a kind of public sage.” - Prof. Samuel G. Freedman, Columbia Journalism School, author of Letters to a Young Journalist

“This wise, wonderful book not only enlightens and entertains: it can actually elevate your life by making you a better spouse, parent, business partner and neighbor. The writing is warm, elegant, sensitive and above all sensible—so much so that you’ll feel tempted to read key passages aloud in order to inspire your friends and family.” - Michael Medved, syndicated talk radio host and author of The American Miracle

“This deeply wise and delightfully engaging book will change the way you think about the words that come out of your mouth—and in doing so, will change your life. At a time when our national conversation has become so painful and divisive, this book is urgent and essential reading, providing us a road map for how to repair our relationships and restore kindness to our world.” - Sarah Hurwitz, former head speechwriter for first lady Michelle Obama

“In a time when slurs and slights are displacing civility and courtesy, this enchanting book reminds us that the words we choose have an impact on others—and send a message about us. With characteristic wisdom, Joseph Telushkin offers guidance for parents and leaders on how to communicate with consideration and compassion.” - Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take and Originals