Job 20:12

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

Study Bible

Though evil is sweet in his mouth
The Hebrew word for "evil" here is "ra," which encompasses a broad range of negative meanings, including wickedness, misfortune, and moral wrong. In the context of this verse, it suggests a deliberate choice to indulge in sin. The imagery of "sweet in his mouth" conveys the initial pleasure or allure that sin can present. Historically, this reflects the human tendency to be drawn to immediate gratification, even when it leads to long-term spiritual detriment. The sweetness is deceptive, masking the true bitterness of sin's consequences. This phrase serves as a caution against the seductive nature of sin, reminding believers that what seems appealing at first can lead to spiritual decay.

and he conceals it under his tongue
The act of concealing "under his tongue" suggests a deliberate and secretive enjoyment of sin. The Hebrew verb "kachas" implies hiding or covering up, indicating an awareness of wrongdoing and an attempt to keep it hidden from others. This reflects the deceitful nature of sin, where individuals may try to maintain an outward appearance of righteousness while harboring sin internally. In a broader scriptural context, this aligns with the biblical theme of hypocrisy and the danger of living a double life. The imagery of hiding something under the tongue also suggests that the sin is not just a fleeting thought but something savored and meditated upon, highlighting the depth of the individual's entanglement in sin. This serves as a warning to believers to examine their hearts and ensure that they are not cherishing sin in secret, but rather seeking purity and integrity in their walk with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. The central figure in the Book of Job, he undergoes severe trials and suffering.

2. Zophar the Naamathite
One of Job's three friends who visit him to offer counsel. Zophar is the speaker in Job 20, and he represents a traditional view of retributive justice, believing that suffering is a direct result of sin.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

4. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity.

5. God
The sovereign Creator who allows Job's testing and ultimately restores him, demonstrating His wisdom and justice.

Teaching Points

The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often appears attractive and sweet initially, but its consequences are bitter and destructive. Believers must be vigilant and discerning to avoid being enticed by temporary pleasures that lead to spiritual harm.

The Danger of Concealing Sin
Hiding sin "under the tongue" suggests a deliberate choice to harbor and nurture wrongdoing. Christians are called to confess and forsake sin rather than conceal it, as hidden sin can lead to greater bondage and separation from God.

The Importance of Accountability
Zophar's speech, though misguided in its application to Job, highlights the need for accountability among believers. We should encourage one another to live righteously and address sin in love and truth.

The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth
While Zophar incorrectly attributes Job's suffering to hidden sin, the broader account of Job teaches that suffering can be a tool for refining faith and deepening reliance on God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of evil being "sweet in his mouth" challenge our understanding of temptation and sin in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are not concealing sin "under our tongue"? What practical steps can we take to live transparently before God and others?

3. How does the concept of retributive justice, as seen in Zophar's speech, compare to the New Testament teachings on grace and forgiveness?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced the deceptive nature of sin. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?

5. How can we support one another in our faith communities to resist the allure of sin and pursue holiness together? What role does accountability play in this process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 20:17
This verse speaks about the deceitfulness of sin, comparing it to bread that is sweet initially but turns to gravel in the mouth, similar to the imagery in Job 20:12.

James 1:14-15
These verses discuss the process of temptation and sin, illustrating how desire, when conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when fully grown, leads to death. This aligns with the idea of concealing evil under the tongue.

Psalm 10:7
This verse describes the wicked whose mouth is full of curses and deceit, paralleling the imagery of evil being sweet in the mouth.