Job 20:12

“Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue;”

This verse is part of a speech given by Job’s friend Zophar in the Book of Job. Zophar is responding to Job’s lamentations and attempts to reason with him. However, it’s important to note that Zophar’s words are not necessarily aligned with God’s perspective, as we see later in the book.

To better understand the verse, let’s explore the context of Job 20 and the overarching themes of the Book of Job.

Context of Job 20:

Job 20 is a chapter in which Zophar, one of Job’s friends, responds to Job’s complaints. Zophar presents his viewpoint, arguing that the wicked will ultimately face divine judgment. In this specific verse, Zophar describes the deceptive allure of wickedness.

Understanding the verse:

• “Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth”:Here, Zophar is suggesting that wickedness may initially be appealing to those who engage in it. It may appear pleasurable and gratifying, providing a temporary sense of satisfaction or enjoyment. This can be seen as a warning against the allure of sin.
• “Though he hide it under his tongue”:Zophar continues by saying that despite the apparent sweetness of wickedness, it is concealed and hidden. This suggests that wicked individuals may try to hide their evil actions or intentions, disguising their true nature from others.

The Book of Job explores profound questions about human suffering, the nature of God, and the problem of evil. It tells the story of Job, a righteous man who undergoes immense trials and suffers greatly. The book engages in a dialogue between Job and his friends as they grapple with the reasons behind his suffering.

The verse in question reflects one aspect of the ongoing debate between Job and his friends. While Zophar asserts that the wicked will face retribution, the larger narrative of Job challenges this simplistic understanding. The book raises questions about the nature of suffering, God’s justice, and the complexity of human experience.

In conclusion, Job 20:12 (KJV) highlights the initial allure of wickedness, which may seem sweet to those who engage in it. However, the verse does not provide a comprehensive answer to the broader questions posed in the Book of Job. To gain a deeper understanding of the book’s message, it is essential to consider the complete narrative and the ultimate resolution of Job’s story.