Don’t Be Throwin’ Stones
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Don’t be throwin’ stones" is a Bible-rooted saying meaning don’t judge or criticize others harshly. It’s the local, shortened version of the older proverb "People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones," echoing the biblical "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
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'Don’t be throwin’ stones' is one I've heard and said all my life. 'Don’t be throwin’ stones' is one I've heard and said all my life. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- To warn against judging others (verb phrase/proverb)
She’s always talkin’ about other folks’ kids.She oughta know better - don’t be throwin’ stones.- To caution humility before criticism (verb phrase/proverb)
That preacher sure went long today.Don’t be throwin’ stones - you were late yourself.Origin and Etymology
From John 8:7: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." While "People who live in glass houses"" is an old English proverb, the Southern version took the biblical imagery and shortened it to "don’t be throwin’ stones," especially in rural church communities.
Usage Notes
Still heard in Southern/Appalachian speech as an admonition about gossip and judgment. Outside the South people usually say "don’t throw stones" or quote the proverb about glass houses.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "don’t be throwin’ stones." Sometimes "don’t cast stones."