An important and biblical book about our words and our God. Few of us really think about the power, the blessing, the gift, the effect, and the danger of our words. This book will make you think before you speak. ? Steve Brown Until our hearts are completely purified by God in heaven, we must set strong guards at the gates of our mouths and fight daily battles to restrain the overflow of our sinful desires. ? helpful insights and practical tools for this battle. ? Ken Sande
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Paul Tripp is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries (www.paultrippministries.org), a nonprofit organization, whose mission statement is "Connecting the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life." This mission leads Paul to weekly speaking engagements around the world. In addition to being a gifted communicator and sought after conference speaker with Paul Tripp Ministries, Paul is the Executive Director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas, and has taught at respected institutions worldwide. As an author, Paul has written many books on Christian Living that are read and distributed internationally. He has been married for many years to Luella and they have four grown children.
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115 of 116 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
"No matter where you live, no matter what you do every day, there is one thing that you do all day long. You talk." (3) So begins this insightful and practical book on our communication struggles. What sets this book apart from others on the same topic is its profound depth in addressing the issues of our words. "Our communication struggle is not primarily a struggle of technique, but a struggle of the heart" (30). Tripp doesn't settle for superficial treatment. He understands that the war of words is really part of a deeper war: the war for our hearts and souls, the war between the Word made flesh, and the enemy, whose primary tools are words of distortion, deception, and destruction.
War of Words is divided into three sections. Part One: "Talk is Not Cheap" provides the theological and biblical orientation from which the entire book speaks. Tripp begins by reminding us that "God Speaks" (chapter one). "He is the Great Speaker" (15); and He has spoken most fully through Jesus Christ, "the Word who is the only hope for our words" (5). God can be known because He speaks. And we are made in His image with the ability to speak ourselves. Our words have value, because God has given them value.
But not only does God speak, "Satan Speaks" (chapter two). Paradise was lost because Satan used words to challenge the authority of God and offer an interpretation on life that was different from God's. Lies were spoken. Words were misused. And "for the first time, people spoke against one another" (23). Now, there is "trouble with our talk" (29). In fact, "nowhere is our weakness more dramatically revealed than in our struggle with words" (31).
Into the helplessness and hopelessness of our sin, God, the Great Speaker addresses us with the greatest message of all: "The Word in the Flesh" (chapter three). The gospel of Christ addresses our fallen lives and our muddled speech. God doesn't demand that we change in our own strength. No, He sends redemption through the Living Word who becomes the ultimate model for our speech as well. Our words are meant to redeem. But our words can be redemptive only when our "idol words" (chapter four) are addressed. We must see that our speech problems are fruit growing out of the deeper root of a sinful and idolatrous heart.
Right from the beginning, Tripp summarizes the "four fundamental, life-altering principles" upon which this book is based are:
* God has a wonderful plan for our words that is far better than any plan we could come up with on our own.
* Sin has radically altered our agenda for our words, resulting in much hurt, confusion, and chaos.
* In Christ Jesus we find the grace that provides all we need to speak as God intended us to speak.
* The Bible plainly and simply teaches us how to get from where we are to where God wants us to be. (5)
In other words, the foundation for God-honoring speech is nothing less than the gospel itself, as understood within the framework of words.
Part Two lays out "A New Agenda for Our Talk." This begins with an understanding of God's sovereignty. "He is King!" (chapter five). God's sovereignty is "the cornerstone for a new agenda for our words" (70). When I truly lay hold of the truth that God is in control, exercising "unchallenged rule" in the universe (71) for His glory and my good, I can be free from trying to control and manipulate others with my words. Tripp goes on to show that we must embrace the agenda of the King (chapter six) if we are to speak for Him (chapter seven). We can only be His ambassadors when we speak out of a clear understanding of the King's mission and methods (111-122).
Chapter eight turns a corner from theological foundation to practical application, as Tripp outlines eleven "practical steps to the destination" of using our words as God desires. Because we are "citizens in need of help" (chapter nine), confrontation is a necessary part of our speech. But confrontation is scary because it so often goes wrong. We need help in doing confrontation biblically, with the humility of the gospel, recognizing that we are both helpers to others and also in need of help ourselves.
Chapter ten, "On the King's Mission" sharpens the focus on God's redemptive purpose for our words. Tripp reminds us that "we are not free to handle difficulties in whatever way seems best to us. When we are wronged, the thing of highest importance is not that we feel satisfied or avenged, but that we respond according to God's plan and for his glory" (164). The Great Commission lays claim on our everyday talk. Every word we speak is meant to carry out the redemptive purposes of God in Christ.
Finally, Part Three discusses "Winning the War of Words." Tripp's practical theology is at its best here, as he reminds us to put "First Things First" (chapter eleven) in our speech by embracing the gospel in a lifestyle of repentance. Four steps of true repentance (consideration, confession, commitment, and change) are discussed, drawing heavily on Colossians 3:12-17 and 2 Peter 1:3-9. Chapter twelve clarifies the win with an exposition of Galatians 5:13-6:2. Winning the war of words "involves recognizing the destructive power of words (5:15) . . . affirming our freedom in Christ (5:13) . . . saying no to the sinful nature (5:13, 24) . . . speaking to serve others in love (5:13-14) . . . speaking `in step with the Spirit' (5:25) . . . [and] speaking with a goal to restore (6:1-2)" (201-216).
Chapter thirteen, "Choosing Your Words," continues the expositional style of application by exhorting us to choose the right words: words of truth (Eph. 4:14-15), words of love (1 Cor. 13:4-7), words of restraint (Eph. 4:25-27), words of grace (Eph. 4:29-30), and words of forgiveness (Eph. 4:32-5:2). Only when we choose these redemptive kinds of words will the tongue be a tool for good, rather than a world of evil.
This is a powerful book which helped me personally and pastorally. The blend of biblical exposition and practical exhortation, theology and practicality, is masterful. Each section builds on the sturdy explanation of biblical texts, while including practical "how to" application, with frequent real-life examples of both redemptive and destructive speech. Every chapter ends with a "Getting Personal" list of questions for personal examination of one's own heart and life. And Tripp frequently speaks from his own failures, flavoring this book with humility and authenticity. This is a wonderful book that should serve pastors, counselors, lay-leaders, parents, and spouses well, as they struggle to win the war of words.
War of Words is divided into three sections. Part One: "Talk is Not Cheap" provides the theological and biblical orientation from which the entire book speaks. Tripp begins by reminding us that "God Speaks" (chapter one). "He is the Great Speaker" (15); and He has spoken most fully through Jesus Christ, "the Word who is the only hope for our words" (5). God can be known because He speaks. And we are made in His image with the ability to speak ourselves. Our words have value, because God has given them value.
But not only does God speak, "Satan Speaks" (chapter two). Paradise was lost because Satan used words to challenge the authority of God and offer an interpretation on life that was different from God's. Lies were spoken. Words were misused. And "for the first time, people spoke against one another" (23). Now, there is "trouble with our talk" (29). In fact, "nowhere is our weakness more dramatically revealed than in our struggle with words" (31).
Into the helplessness and hopelessness of our sin, God, the Great Speaker addresses us with the greatest message of all: "The Word in the Flesh" (chapter three). The gospel of Christ addresses our fallen lives and our muddled speech. God doesn't demand that we change in our own strength. No, He sends redemption through the Living Word who becomes the ultimate model for our speech as well. Our words are meant to redeem. But our words can be redemptive only when our "idol words" (chapter four) are addressed. We must see that our speech problems are fruit growing out of the deeper root of a sinful and idolatrous heart.
Right from the beginning, Tripp summarizes the "four fundamental, life-altering principles" upon which this book is based are:
* God has a wonderful plan for our words that is far better than any plan we could come up with on our own.
* Sin has radically altered our agenda for our words, resulting in much hurt, confusion, and chaos.
* In Christ Jesus we find the grace that provides all we need to speak as God intended us to speak.
* The Bible plainly and simply teaches us how to get from where we are to where God wants us to be. (5)
In other words, the foundation for God-honoring speech is nothing less than the gospel itself, as understood within the framework of words.
Part Two lays out "A New Agenda for Our Talk." This begins with an understanding of God's sovereignty. "He is King!" (chapter five). God's sovereignty is "the cornerstone for a new agenda for our words" (70). When I truly lay hold of the truth that God is in control, exercising "unchallenged rule" in the universe (71) for His glory and my good, I can be free from trying to control and manipulate others with my words. Tripp goes on to show that we must embrace the agenda of the King (chapter six) if we are to speak for Him (chapter seven). We can only be His ambassadors when we speak out of a clear understanding of the King's mission and methods (111-122).
Chapter eight turns a corner from theological foundation to practical application, as Tripp outlines eleven "practical steps to the destination" of using our words as God desires. Because we are "citizens in need of help" (chapter nine), confrontation is a necessary part of our speech. But confrontation is scary because it so often goes wrong. We need help in doing confrontation biblically, with the humility of the gospel, recognizing that we are both helpers to others and also in need of help ourselves.
Chapter ten, "On the King's Mission" sharpens the focus on God's redemptive purpose for our words. Tripp reminds us that "we are not free to handle difficulties in whatever way seems best to us. When we are wronged, the thing of highest importance is not that we feel satisfied or avenged, but that we respond according to God's plan and for his glory" (164). The Great Commission lays claim on our everyday talk. Every word we speak is meant to carry out the redemptive purposes of God in Christ.
Finally, Part Three discusses "Winning the War of Words." Tripp's practical theology is at its best here, as he reminds us to put "First Things First" (chapter eleven) in our speech by embracing the gospel in a lifestyle of repentance. Four steps of true repentance (consideration, confession, commitment, and change) are discussed, drawing heavily on Colossians 3:12-17 and 2 Peter 1:3-9. Chapter twelve clarifies the win with an exposition of Galatians 5:13-6:2. Winning the war of words "involves recognizing the destructive power of words (5:15) . . . affirming our freedom in Christ (5:13) . . . saying no to the sinful nature (5:13, 24) . . . speaking to serve others in love (5:13-14) . . . speaking `in step with the Spirit' (5:25) . . . [and] speaking with a goal to restore (6:1-2)" (201-216).
Chapter thirteen, "Choosing Your Words," continues the expositional style of application by exhorting us to choose the right words: words of truth (Eph. 4:14-15), words of love (1 Cor. 13:4-7), words of restraint (Eph. 4:25-27), words of grace (Eph. 4:29-30), and words of forgiveness (Eph. 4:32-5:2). Only when we choose these redemptive kinds of words will the tongue be a tool for good, rather than a world of evil.
This is a powerful book which helped me personally and pastorally. The blend of biblical exposition and practical exhortation, theology and practicality, is masterful. Each section builds on the sturdy explanation of biblical texts, while including practical "how to" application, with frequent real-life examples of both redemptive and destructive speech. Every chapter ends with a "Getting Personal" list of questions for personal examination of one's own heart and life. And Tripp frequently speaks from his own failures, flavoring this book with humility and authenticity. This is a wonderful book that should serve pastors, counselors, lay-leaders, parents, and spouses well, as they struggle to win the war of words.
66 of 67 people found the following review helpful
By D. May
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book has changed my life. I have read it 3 times and made my own cliff notes for quick reference. Frankly, I wish there was a longer, more detail group study guide to accompany the book. If you are serious about having peaceful relationships with "everyone" around you, the best way to start is changing yourself. This has been the quickest route I have found and the most profound. The author changed my heart and gave me a positive approach to reducing (soon to stop...yeah!...I feel it coming!) my angry reactions and participation in the angry outbursts of others. I especially wanted to raise my children to the highest standards of life I could find and not "pass on" my dysfunctional upbringing. What can I say, but thank you to this man who has helped me rise up to a new level of understanding. God Bless you!
46 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By William
Format:Paperback
Perhaps you have wondered how a nice person like you can be so cutting with your words or so misunderstood? In typical Paul Tripp fashion the reader is taken to the heart of the problem with communication. For those who read with an open heart and mind there is much here to help us bless others with our speech and in so doing find personal fulfillment as well.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
War of Words.
Everyone needs a copy of this!! If we as humans would only take the time and consider our words and how we use them along with our tone...... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Vickie
5.0 out of 5 stars
War of Words
Excellent book! Great way to continue relationship with leaders in a Christian viewpoint. It will strengthen my walk with the Lord.
Published 3 months ago by Christiana
5.0 out of 5 stars
Needs to be on Kindle
I would really like to see this book made available for Kindle. I am reading it through for the second time now, this time with my children as a weekly study, and am sure I will... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Thoughtful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
Book is amazing! Everyone should read it! :) It arrive fairly quickly, and is an amazing read. Everyone can use help communicating better, especially from a biblical perspective. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Annmarie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Engage in the War of Words!
Can I have a word with you?
Those words always make my skin crawl. Not because I'm anti-social, but because I instinctively think I'm about to get in trouble. Read more
Those words always make my skin crawl. Not because I'm anti-social, but because I instinctively think I'm about to get in trouble. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Lindsey Carlson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read"
This is a book all Christians should read! It is great for communication, but just is full of the gospel and the way to live a Christ honoring life!
Published 7 months ago by LinKen
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the most practical books I have read this year
Paul David Tripp's book, War of Words is a great book. For anyone who is counseling others, working with conflict resolution or just trying to learn more about how our struggle... Read more
Published 10 months ago by William D. Curnutt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
I love how the book is completed biblical based. I purchased this book for a college paper, but my husband was interested in the book and read through it; he enjoyed it as well.
Published 12 months ago by marionn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Words are the war
Gets right to the heart of our issues with our words. Who knew that 10 years ago when this was written, that it would be such an asset to my relationships and bring restoration to... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Joanna Bryant
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Communication Book Around
If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. It's that good. I read this book when I was going through a very difficult time and asking God for direction. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Startraveler
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