Job 20:12

KJV

Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, [though] he hide it under his tongue;

KJV (with Strong's)

Though wickedness {H7451} be sweet {H4985} in his mouth {H6310}, though he hide {H3582} it under his tongue {H3956};

Complete Jewish Bible

"Wickedness may taste sweet in his mouth, he may savor and roll it around on his tongue,

Berean Standard Bible

Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he conceals it under his tongue,

American Standard Version

Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, Though he hide it under his tongue,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 20:12, delivered by Zophar the Naamathite, offers a stark and vivid portrayal of the wicked person's relationship with sin. It depicts wickedness not as a fleeting transgression but as a deeply cherished and savored indulgence, likened to a sweet morsel held intimately in the mouth. This unsettling imagery underscores Zophar's rigid theological conviction that while the wicked derive intense, almost sensual, pleasure from their wrongdoing, this fleeting delight inevitably leads to swift and devastating divine judgment, a core tenet of the retribution theology he and Job's other friends espouse throughout their arguments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 20:12 is situated within Zophar's second and final speech (Job 20:1-29), which directly follows Job's passionate defense of his innocence and his lament over his profound suffering in [Job 19](/job/19 "Job 19 - Job's Lament and Hope for a Redeemer"). Zophar, much like Eliphaz and Bildad, operates from a strict framework of retribution theology, firmly believing that God justly punishes the wicked and rewards the righteous. In this speech, Zophar vehemently asserts that the prosperity of the wicked is always temporary and their pleasure in evil is ultimately self-destructive, serving as an implicit accusation against Job. The verse's graphic imagery of savoring sin sets the stage for Zophar's subsequent pronouncements on the swift and devastating judgment that awaits such individuals, contrasting their fleeting pleasure with God's enduring justice. His aim is to convince Job that his suffering is a clear sign of his unrighteousness, a perspective Job consistently rejects throughout the book, ultimately revealing the limitations of human wisdom in understanding divine sovereignty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is a profound masterpiece of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, exploring complex questions about suffering, divine justice, and the nature of righteousness. The prevailing cultural backdrop included a widespread belief in divine retribution, where prosperity was commonly interpreted as a sign of God's favor and suffering as undeniable evidence of sin. This worldview, while containing elements of truth regarding God's justice, was often applied simplistically, leading to the friends' erroneous conclusions about Job's plight. The imagery of food and taste—specifically "sweetness" and "holding under the tongue"—would have been readily understood in an agrarian society where the enjoyment of food was a fundamental pleasure and a metaphor for satisfaction. Furthermore, the "mouth" and "tongue" were culturally significant as organs of speech and expression, implying that the wicked's inner disposition and outward actions might be intricately intertwined with their sinful indulgence, reflecting a deep-seated corruption.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. It highlights **The Deceptive Allure of Sin**, showing how sin often presents itself as desirable and pleasurable, offering immediate gratification, much like the "stolen water is sweet" mentioned in [Proverbs 9:17](/proverbs/9-17 "Proverbs 9:17 - The Allure of Illicit Pleasure"). This "sweetness" is a powerful, yet ultimately deceptive, pull that can blind individuals to the long-term, destructive consequences. The phrase "though he hide it under his tongue" speaks to **Savoring and Prolonging Evil**, suggesting a deliberate act of relishing and cherishing the enjoyment of wickedness, not merely consuming it but holding onto it, implying a deep-seated indulgence rather than a casual transgression. This deliberate act of savoring underscores the profound spiritual corruption. Furthermore, this imagery can point to **Hidden Sin and Hypocrisy**, where individuals might outwardly appear righteous while inwardly harboring and enjoying wickedness, a concept echoed in [Luke 12:2](/luke/12-2 "Luke 12:2 - Nothing Hidden That Will Not Be Revealed"), where Jesus teaches that "nothing is covered that shall not be revealed, neither hid, that shall not be known."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wickedness (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This noun, derived from a root meaning "to break" or "to be evil," encompasses a wide range of negative concepts including badness, evil, adversity, affliction, and moral depravity. Its use here indicates that the subject of the verse is not merely a minor transgression but something inherently corrupt or morally wrong, highlighting the perversity of finding "sweetness" in such a thing.
* **sweet (Hebrew, _mâthaq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to suck," and by implication, "to relish" or "to be sweet." Here, it describes the perceived pleasantness or delight that the wicked person experiences from their evil deeds. It emphasizes the seductive nature of sin, portraying it as something genuinely enjoyable and satisfying to the unrighteous, rather than merely tolerable or neutral.
* **hide (Hebrew, _kâchad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to secrete," "to conceal," or "to hide," either by act or word. In this context, it vividly portrays the deliberate act of holding something back, keeping it close, and even savoring it privately. When paired with "under his tongue," it suggests a conscious effort to prolong the enjoyment of wickedness, implying an intimate and intentional relationship with the wrongdoing, perhaps even a secretive indulgence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth":** This clause immediately establishes a powerful **metaphor**, comparing wickedness to something sweet and palatable. It describes the initial, deceptive appeal of sin, suggesting that the wicked person finds genuine pleasure and satisfaction in their evil deeds. This "sweetness" is not a fleeting taste but implies a deep, internal enjoyment, indicating a perverted appetite for unrighteousness. It speaks to the immediate gratification and sensory delight that sin can offer, blinding the individual to its ultimate bitterness and destructive consequences.
* **"[though] he hide it under his tongue;":** This second clause intensifies the imagery, moving beyond mere consumption to deliberate savoring and concealment. To "hide it under his tongue" depicts a person holding a sweet morsel in their mouth, not swallowing it quickly, but allowing it to dissolve slowly, prolonging the taste. This suggests a conscious, deliberate act of cherishing and prolonging the sinful experience. It implies a reluctance to let go of the pleasure, a desire to extract every last drop of gratification from it, and possibly a secretive enjoyment, hidden from public view, yet fully known to the individual and, ultimately, to God. It highlights a deep-seated inclination and intimate relationship with evil.

#### Literary Devices
Job 20:12 is rich with **Imagery** and **Metaphor**. The central **metaphor** compares wickedness to a sweet substance ("sweet in his mouth"), immediately conveying its deceptive allure and the perverse pleasure it offers to the unrighteous. This sensory imagery vividly paints a picture of sin as something desirable and palatable, contrasting sharply with its destructive nature. The phrase "hide it under his tongue" extends this **metaphor**, creating a powerful image of deliberate savoring and prolonging of sinful pleasure. This suggests a deep, intimate, and cherished relationship with wickedness, where the individual is unwilling to let go of the "taste" of their wrongdoing. There is also an element of **Irony**, as Zophar, in his attempt to condemn Job and assert God's justice, unwittingly describes a universal human tendency to find sin appealing, even though its ultimate outcome is bitter destruction. The vividness of the description, emphasizing the extreme indulgence Zophar attributes to the wicked, also borders on **Hyperbole**.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the deceptive and insidious nature of sin, which often presents itself as alluring and pleasurable, offering immediate gratification. The "sweetness" of wickedness, however, is a fleeting and ultimately poisonous delight, leading to spiritual decay, moral corruption, and inevitable divine judgment. It underscores the biblical truth that while sin may offer momentary satisfaction, its true nature is destructive, and its end is death. The act of "hiding it under his tongue" speaks to the internal, cherished nature of sin, highlighting that sin is not merely an outward act but often a deep-seated inclination of the heart, known intimately by the individual and perfectly by God. This challenges believers to examine their own hearts for any hidden areas where sin is being secretly savored rather than confessed and repented of, recognizing that true freedom comes only through radical honesty before God.

* [Hebrews 11:25](/hebrews/11-25 "Hebrews 11:25 - Moses' Choice of Affliction Over Sin's Pleasure")
* [Proverbs 20:17](/proverbs/20-17 "Proverbs 20:17 - The Deceit of Stolen Bread")
* [Psalm 139:12](/psalm/139-12 "Psalm 139:12 - God's Omnipresence in Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 20:12 serves as a timeless and potent warning against the insidious nature of sin. It reminds us that sin's primary tactic is often to appear attractive, offering immediate, though temporary, gratification. The danger lies not just in committing a sin, but in savoring it, holding onto it, and allowing it to take root in our hearts, becoming a cherished indulgence. This verse calls us to profound self-examination: Are there areas in our lives where we are secretly indulging in or relishing something that we know is contrary to God's will? Do we find ourselves reluctant to let go of certain habits, attitudes, or even thoughts because they offer a perverse sense of pleasure or comfort? True freedom and lasting joy come not from harboring hidden sins, but from confessing them, turning away from them in genuine repentance, and seeking God's transformative grace. It encourages believers to recognize that the fleeting "sweetness" of sin is a profound lie, and that genuine, enduring delight and satisfaction are found only in the Lord and His righteous ways, a delight that far surpasses any temporal pleasure sin might offer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "sweetness" does sin offer you, and how does that allure potentially blind you to its true, destructive nature?**
* **Are there any "hidden" sins you are "savoring" under your tongue, unwilling to fully confess or let go of?**
* **How does the temporary pleasure of sin compare to the lasting joy, peace, and spiritual flourishing found in obedience to God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a taste for righteousness and find your ultimate delight in God's commands and presence?**

### FAQ

**Does Zophar's description of sin apply to all people, or just the "wicked"?**

Answer: While Zophar applies this description specifically to "the wicked" in his argument against Job, the imagery of sin being "sweet" and "savored" has universal resonance for the human condition. The Bible consistently portrays sin as deceptive and alluring, offering immediate gratification that often masks its destructive consequences. From the temptation in [Genesis 3:6](/genesis/3-6 "Genesis 3:6 - The Woman Saw That the Tree Was Good") where the forbidden fruit was "good for food and pleasant to the eyes," to the warnings in [Proverbs 9:17](/proverbs/9-17 "Proverbs 9:17 - The Allure of Illicit Pleasure") about the allure of "stolen water," the Bible acknowledges sin's deceptive sweetness. Thus, while Zophar's immediate context is specific to his flawed theological framework, the psychological and spiritual truth about sin's allure is broadly applicable to all humanity, highlighting our fallen nature and susceptibility to temptation.

**What does it mean to "hide it under his tongue"?**

Answer: This vivid phrase suggests a deliberate act of savoring and prolonging the enjoyment of wickedness. Similar to how one might hold a piece of candy or a delicious morsel under the tongue to extend its flavor, the wicked person is depicted as not merely committing sin but relishing it, unwilling to let go of its perceived pleasure. It implies an intimate, cherished relationship with wrongdoing, perhaps even a secretive indulgence that is kept from public view but fully known and enjoyed by the individual. It signifies a deep-seated inclination towards evil, rather than a casual or accidental transgression, revealing a heart that delights in unrighteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 20:12, with its stark portrayal of sin's deceptive sweetness and the wicked's perverse delight in it, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The temporary "sweetness" of sin, which ultimately leads to spiritual death and eternal separation from God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin Is Death")), stands in stark contrast to the true and eternal "sweetness" found in Christ. Jesus, the perfect [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not to indulge in sin, but to bear its full bitterness on the cross, tasting death for everyone ([Hebrews 2:9](/hebrews/2-9 "Hebrews 2:9 - Jesus Tasted Death for Everyone")). He offers a radical alternative to the world's fleeting pleasures: a life of genuine satisfaction, abundant grace ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Fullness of Grace")), and eternal joy in His presence ([Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")). Where the wicked savor sin, believers are called to "taste and see that the Lord is good" ([Psalm 34:8](/psalm/34-8 "Psalm 34:8 - Taste and See That the Lord Is Good")), to hunger and thirst for righteousness ([Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness")), and to find their ultimate delight in His Word, which is "sweeter than honey to my mouth" ([Psalm 119:103](/psalm/119-103 "Psalm 119:103 - God's Word Sweeter Than Honey")). Through Christ, the power of sin's allure is broken, and we are given a new palate, enabling us to truly savor God's grace and righteousness, leading to life everlasting ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 10:7

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity.

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.

Job 15:16

How much more abominable and filthy [is] man, which drinketh iniquity like water?

Psalms 109:17

As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.

Psalms 109:18

As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.

Proverbs 20:17

¶ Bread of deceit [is] sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Proverbs 9:17

Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.