Job 20:12

Commentary on Job 20:12 (KJV)

Job 20:12 is a powerful verse from the second speech of Zophar the Naamathite, one of Job's three friends. In this passage, Zophar vehemently argues about the inevitable downfall of the wicked, asserting that their prosperity is always temporary and their pleasure in evil is ultimately self-destructive. This specific verse vividly describes the intense, almost sensual, enjoyment the wicked take in their wrongdoing.

Context

Zophar, like Eliphaz and Bildad before him, firmly believes that Job's suffering must be a direct consequence of his sin. In his second speech, he doubles down on the traditional doctrine of divine retribution, emphasizing that the wicked, no matter how prosperous they seem, are destined for swift and utter destruction. Job 20:12 paints a picture of the wicked person's relationship with sin, portraying it not as an accidental slip but as a cherished indulgence. This 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. He seeks to convince Job that his suffering is a clear sign of his unrighteousness, a perspective Job consistently rejects.

Key Themes

• The Deceptive Allure of Sin: The phrase "Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth" highlights how sin often presents itself as desirable and pleasurable, offering immediate gratification. This "sweetness" is a powerful, yet deceptive, pull that can blind individuals to the long-term, destructive consequences.
• Savoring and Prolonging Evil: To "hide it under his tongue" suggests a deliberate act of savoring, prolonging, and cherishing the enjoyment of wickedness. It implies a reluctance to let go of the sinful pleasure, holding onto it as one might a sweet candy, not merely consuming it but relishing every moment. This isn't a casual transgression but a deep-seated indulgence.
• Hidden Sin and Hypocrisy: This imagery can also point to the secretive nature of sin, where individuals might outwardly appear righteous while inwardly harboring and enjoying wickedness. It speaks to the idea of hidden motives and actions that are kept from public view, yet are fully known to the individual and, ultimately, to God. This resonates with the biblical principle that nothing is covered that shall not be revealed.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sweet" here is mathoq (מָתוֹק), which literally means pleasant, delightful, or sweet to the taste. Its use emphasizes the perceived pleasure and gratification that sin offers. The word for "hide" is chava (חָבָא), meaning to conceal, to hide oneself, or to be hidden. When used in conjunction with "under his tongue," it conjures an image of something being carefully held and cherished, perhaps even secreted away from others' view, allowing the individual to prolong its 'flavor'. This vivid imagery underscores the deliberate and intimate relationship the wicked person has with their sin.

Related Scriptures

• The fleeting nature of sin's pleasure is a recurring theme in Scripture. While sin may offer momentary delight, its end is destruction. Consider Hebrews 11:25, which speaks of Moses choosing "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."
• Proverbs often contrasts the initial allure of sin with its bitter consequences. For instance, Proverbs 20:17 states, "Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel." This perfectly illustrates the deceptive "sweetness" Job 20:12 describes.
• The idea that nothing is truly hidden from God is a foundational biblical truth, even when sin is "hidden under the tongue." Psalm 139:12 declares, "Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee."

Practical Application

Job 20:12 serves as a timeless warning against the insidious nature of sin. It reminds us that sin often appears attractive and offers immediate, albeit 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. This verse calls us to self-examination: are there areas in our lives where we are secretly indulging in or relishing something that is contrary to God's will? True freedom and lasting joy come not from harboring hidden sins, but from confessing them and turning away from them. It encourages believers to recognize that the wages of sin is death, while the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. We are called to pursue righteousness and find our delight in the Lord, whose pleasures are true and everlasting.