Snitching, or being a snitch, is the act of informing on someone or revealing their wrongdoing to authorities. It often carries negative connotations of betrayal and dishonesty. Though the Bible does not directly address “snitching” by that term, it does have much to say about matters of truth, justice, loyalty, and living in community that can inform a Christian perspective on this issue.
Old Testament Teachings
The Old Testament law placed great importance on truth and justice in legal matters. Witnesses were required to give truthful testimony and not show favoritism (Leviticus 19:15). Giving false testimony was prohibited (Exodus 20:16). At the same time, the law sought to protect the innocent against false accusation (Deuteronomy 19:16-19). It called for thorough investigation and required multiple witnesses to establish guilt (Deuteronomy 17:6). This suggests a balanced approach to justice.
The wisdom literature warns against gossip and slander, urging discretion in speech (Proverbs 11:13). Yet there are times when concealing the truth allows wrongdoing to flourish. The prophet Isaiah condemns those who “call evil good and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). There can be a fine line between discretion and complicity.
Sometimes whistleblowing took courage, as when the Hebrew midwives refused to follow Pharaoh’s orders (Exodus 1:15-21). Mordecai exposed a plot against the king (Esther 2:19-23). Being a truth-teller in unjust situations was seen as heroic, not traitorous.
New Testament Principles
Jesus said to “let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No'” (Matthew 5:37). Honesty and transparency were central virtues. He exposed religious hypocrisy and corruption. Yet Jesus also guarded truth carefully, refusing to cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). There is a time for bold proclamation, and a time for prudent reserve.
The New Testament, like the Old, condemns false testimony and gossip (Matthew 15:19, Romans 1:29-30). Believers are urged to speak truthfully to one another (Ephesians 4:25). Deceit is strongly denounced, even within the church (Acts 5:1-11). Transparency and sincerity should mark the Christian community.
Several passages address dealing with sin within the church. The general pattern is to confront individually first (Matthew 18:15), then with one or two others (Matthew 18:16), and if needed bring it before the whole church (Matthew 18:17, 1 Corinthians 5:4-5). The goal is repentance and restoration of the offender. Only obstinate refusal to repent may warrant informing outside authorities.
When Peter and John were ordered by the Sanhedrin to cease preaching Christ, they refused, saying “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Conscience may require respectful resistance to unjust laws or commands (Acts 4:18-20).
Synthesis and Application
Based on these biblical principles, some key considerations on snitching may include:
- Motive matters. Is the intent to uphold truth and justice or to demean or destroy someone?
- Accuracy matters. Is the information reliable and confirmed?
- Objectivity matters. Am I giving a truthful account, or distorting to fit an agenda?
- Proportionality matters. Does the good achieved outweigh the harm caused?
- Legality matters. Are lawful means being used for lawful purposes?
- Restoration matters. Is the goal punishment or redemption?
- Responsibility matters. Do I have personal obligation here, or is someone else better positioned?
This suggests some situations where reporting wrongdoing may be wise and proper:
- Protecting the vulnerable who cannot defend themselves
- Exposing corruption that threatens the common good
- Preventing harm that outweighs any breach of confidentiality
- Upholding just laws fairly applied
- Guarding reputation against malice and false witness
Some situations where restraint from exposing faults may be appropriate:
- When a private sin or failing does not significantly impact others
- When an informal solution seems possible as a first resort
- When one is uncertain or misinformed about the situation
- When the outcome would clearly cause more harm than good
- When there are better or more constructive ways to respond
In the end, godly wisdom is needed to navigate these gray areas rightly. The guiding principles might be to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and “do justly, love mercy, walk humbly” (Micah 6:8) before both God and men.
Key Biblical Passages
Some key Bible passages about truth, justice and community that relate to the matter of snitching include:
- Exodus 20:16 – prohibition against false testimony
- Leviticus 19:15-18 – pursuing justice without personal vengeance or grudges
- Deuteronomy 19:16-19 – penalty for false witnesses
- 2 Chronicles 19:6-7 – judging without bias or corruption
- Psalm 15:1-3 – requirements for ethical conduct
- Proverbs 11:13 – warning against gossip
- Isaiah 5:20 – condemnation of moral confusion
- Ezekiel 22:9 – condemnation of slander
- Matthew 18:15-17 – process for confronting sin in the church
- John 8:3-11 – Jesus’ restraint in exposing the adulterous woman
- Acts 5:1-11 – judgment on Ananias and Sapphira’s deception
- 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 – expelling the sexually immoral
- Ephesians 4:25 – “speak truthfully to your neighbor”
- Ephesians 5:11 – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness”
- 1 Timothy 5:19-20 – reproving sinning elders
- James 4:11-12 – warning against slander and judgment
This sampling of verses highlights the importance of truth, justice, mercy and integrity in how Christians choose to address wrongdoing in their communities.
Historical Examples and Lessons
Church history provides some interesting case studies related to snitching, whistleblowing, and civil disobedience that illustrate how believers have applied biblical principles:
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer – This German pastor resisted the Nazis and was involved in a plot to assassinate Hitler. He wrestled deeply with whether violence could ever be justified in resisting evil. He ultimately felt that moral failure lay in inaction against radical injustice.
- William Wilberforce – As a British Member of Parliament, Wilberforce worked tirelessly to abolish the slave trade. Despite threats and opposition, he exposed this unjust system and advocated for reform over 60 years until the Slavery Abolition Act was passed.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. – King believed nonviolent civil disobedience was necessary to challenge unjust laws. He exposed racism and oppression through peaceful resistance, accepting the consequences for conscience’s sake. His actions awakened many to work against segregation.
- Watergate Scandal – Several key insiders blew the whistle on Nixon’s involvement in Watergate. Their information helped expose abuses of power at the highest level. Yet motives were mixed, with some harboring personal grudges alongside civic duty.
These examples reveal that disclosing hidden wrongs is sometimes necessary, yet often complex. It can involve grappling with ways means and ends relate. The lessons include weighting both private and public good, short and long-term effects, and discerning when silence makes one complicit.
Christian Views For and Against Snitching
Within Christianity, views vary on the appropriateness of snitching in different situations. Here are some major arguments on both sides:
Arguments Favoring Snitching When Necessary
- Upholding lawful authority – Christians should model good citizenship and obedience to proper authorities where conscience permits (Romans 13:1-7).
- Exposing injustice – Evil often thrives when good people stay silent. Speaking out against oppression can be moral courage.
- Protecting the vulnerable – Those without power rely on those with power to defend them through moral courage.
- Detering sin – Some people may experience repentance and reformation when faced with exposure of their wrongs.
- Punishing wrongdoing – Giving consequences for serious sin through proper channels can serve justice.
Arguments Against Unnecessary Snitching
- Undermining community – Snitching can destroy trust and relationships that should be handled locally first.
- Enabling laziness – Working through problems personally develops character rather than hastily informing on others.
- Breeding legalism – Focusing excessively on minor faults of others can nurture judgmental attitudes.
- Excusing cowardice – True courage often means addressing issues face-to-face rather than anonymously reporting.
- Damaging reputation – False or exaggerated accusations can unjustlyharm others’ standing and livelihood.
This debate reveals tensions between ideals like truth versus loyalty, justice versus grace. Simplistic stances fail to acknowledge the nuances involved.
Pastoral Counsel on Snitching
Christian leaders often counsel wisdom and restraint when addressing wrongs in others. Here is some sample pastoral advice to those considering snitching:
- Examine your motives – are you driven by love and justice or retaliation and pride?
- Consider your rights and responsibilities – are you a victim, or should someone else intervene?
- Verify the facts – can the allegations be reasonably proven?
- Assess the likely outcomes – does possible good outweigh foreseeable harm?
- Explore alternatives – is a direct appeal or discrete inquiry possible?
- Consult others – seek wise counsel to see blind spots you may have.
- Proceed with humility – be prepared to be mistaken despite best intentions.
- Aim at restoration – the goal should be redemption over punishment when possible.
This advice cautions against hasty judgment of others’ perceived faults. Patience, prayer and propriety are advised. Yet doing nothing may also be morally negligent. Discretion and discernment are key in deciding if, when and how to expose wrongdoing.
Conclusion
The Bible does not formally address “snitching,” yet gives principles about truth, justice and community that offer insight. Striking the right balance between appropriate transparency and discretion is situational. Within churches, Scripture favors tolerance, patience and restoration over harshness with sinners. In society, Christians may at times be called to nonviolent resistance against injustice. Wisdom, not absolutes, is needed to apply biblical values to real-life dilemmas.
The core lessons are to examine motives, confirm facts, consider outcomes, get counsel, aim for redemption rather than punishment, and act out of conscience. Hasty judgment risks harming reputations and trust unnecessarily. Yet hiding genuine evil allows it to proliferate. Following the Spirit with humility provides needed discernment amidst moral complexity.
In all things, speaking the truth in love and seeking justice with mercy should guide our conduct. The higher standard is acting redemptively more than punitively, whenever possible covering sins without complicity.