When Talking Gets Tough

One of the most important things you will ever do is learn to talk—and listen. This is especially vital when controversial subjects, pivotal relationships, strong opinions, and important outcomes are at play. With all that’s at stake, we must wisely equip ourselves for the tough conversations that are inevitable with parents, spouses, children, friends, and bosses. 

But rather than offer nifty self-help strategies to promote clever speech, this book gives the Scripture’s rich wisdom on how to navigate such discussions with love, courage, and honor. It is meant for those who desire to please God in how they speak to others. 

Drawing from the Bible’s deep well, Scott Brown gives nineteen harmful patterns of communication to avoid, such as name-calling and giving the “cold shoulder,” followed by thirteen good behaviors to sweeten conversations, such as listening carefully and speaking judiciously with love. He warns readers to pass over petty grievances while having the courage to speak when necessary. His charge—rather than acting as “a fire” that burns relationships down (James 3:5-6), our tongues should be used as a life-giving spring of “fresh water” (James 3:11).