Intro; Title Page; Copyright Page; Dedication; Contents; Introduction; 1. The Power of the Spoken Word; 2. Here Comes the Pitch: Being on the Alert; 3. Controlling the Tongue; 4. Attitude: The Cornerstone of Life; 5. Why Do We Gossip?; 6. Keeping Free from Verbal Contamination; 7. Subtle Seductions in Conversation; 8. Avoiding False Alignments; 9. What Happens When Fear Talks?; 10. How to Judge Impurity; 11. Walking and Speaking in Truth; 12. The Cleansing Process; 13. Words That Heal; 14. Restoring Relationships; 15. Closer to Home; About the Author; Back Ads; Back Cover;Practical Strategies for Responding Biblically to Gossip, Criticism, and Negative Words Communication expert Michael Sedler gives readers practical strategies for identifying, counteracting, and responding graciously to gossip, criticism, and negative words. He shows readers how to - positively handle negative language - reconcile with those who have spoken harm to you - build others up by speaking life-giving words, even when you don't want to Our words can profoundly hurt-or heal. All of us can learn to build one another up-and stop words that hurt.