Snitches Get Stitches

What?

You read that right: Snitches get stitches. Maybe you've heard this expression before, maybe not. Depending on the circles you run in, it might mean something to you. If it does, you're probably wondering why I'm writing about it here. Keep reading.

For those who don't know, the phrase snitches get stitches basically means if you go shooting off your mouth about things you shouldn't (a snitch), you're going to get pounded (stitches). It's not meant to be uplifting. You're more likely to see it in graffiti (or a $10 T-shirt) than some motivational poster. It's ugly and obscene and a microcosm of the violence in our world.

It also holds a lot of truth.

The Bible says it a little differently.

Proverbs 21:23 says, He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself from calamity.  

Proverbs 13:3 says, He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

It almost sounds like Solomon agrees with the word on the street. Of course, Solomon isn't talking about reporting an actual wrong or crime to the authorities. He's talking about not speaking rashly, not saying something you'll regret later, and not speaking those angry thoughts running through your mind. Right?

Sometimes, but not always.

Proverbs 25:23 says, The north wind brings forth rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

And Proverbs 18:6-7 reads, A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool's mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. 

Here's my point.

The Bible is full of warnings about the danger of the tongue (read the book of James!). Words have the power of life and death (Solomon said that as well--Proverbs 18:21). What we say, who we say it to, and why we say it matter.

Telling the truth, reporting a crime, protecting the innocent and rightly incriminating the guilty are all certainly supported in the Bible. Doing such things doesn't make you a snitch. It makes you an honest, God-fearing man or woman who cares about the world around you.

The real snitches are those who speak not for the good of others, but for their downfall.

Some of the strongest warnings are to those who spread slander and gossip (both of which are hated by the Lord according to--again--Solomon in Proverbs 6:16-19). These are the kind of snitches who get stitches in God's book. Want to run and tell your friend what you heard about Joe? Better think twice--God is watching. Want to spread a rumor that you know to be false? Not wise, my friend. God frowns on such things.

If you've got some juicy morsel (guess who described gossip as just that in Proverbs 18:8) you're just dying to tell someone, remember this:

The word on the street is that snitches get stitches . . .

And Solomon seems to agree.