Job 20:16

He will suck the poison of cobras; the fangs of a viper will kill him.

Study Bible

He will suck the poison of cobras
The imagery of "sucking the poison" is vivid and powerful, suggesting a self-destructive act. In the Hebrew text, the word for "suck" (יָנַק, yanaq) often implies drawing nourishment, but here it is ironically used to depict the intake of something deadly. The "poison of cobras" symbolizes the consequences of wickedness and deceit. Cobras, known for their lethal venom, represent the hidden dangers and the inevitable judgment that comes from living a life contrary to God's righteousness. This phrase serves as a warning that indulging in sin is akin to willingly ingesting poison, leading to spiritual and moral decay.

the fangs of a viper will kill him
The "fangs of a viper" further intensify the imagery of danger and death. In ancient Near Eastern culture, vipers were feared for their swift and deadly bite. The Hebrew word for "viper" (אֶפְעֶה, eph'eh) is often associated with treachery and sudden destruction. The phrase "will kill him" underscores the certainty of divine justice. It reflects the biblical principle that sin ultimately leads to death, as echoed in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death." This part of the verse serves as a sobering reminder that the consequences of sin are inescapable and that God's justice will prevail. The imagery of the viper's fangs is a call to repentance and a return to the path of righteousness, emphasizing the need for a life aligned with God's will to avoid spiritual demise.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zophar the Naamathite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Zophar is speaking, offering his perspective on the fate of the wicked.

2. Job
The central figure of the book, a man who is suffering greatly and is seeking understanding and vindication from God.

3. Cobras and Vipers
Symbolic creatures representing danger and death. In the ancient Near East, snakes were often seen as symbols of evil and destruction.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Wickedness
Zophar's speech highlights the inevitable consequences of living a life contrary to God's ways. Just as one cannot escape the deadly effects of snake venom, so too the wicked cannot escape the repercussions of their actions.

The Deceptive Nature of Sin
Sin often appears alluring and harmless at first, much like the smooth movements of a snake. However, its end is destructive and deadly, leading to spiritual death.

The Importance of Righteous Living
This passage serves as a reminder to pursue righteousness and avoid the paths that lead to spiritual and moral decay. Aligning one's life with God's will is crucial for avoiding the 'poison' of sin.

Trust in God's Justice
While Zophar's understanding of Job's situation is flawed, his assertion that God will ultimately deal justly with the wicked is true. Believers can trust that God sees all and will administer justice in His perfect timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of sucking the poison of cobras relate to the consequences of sin in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we be vigilant against the 'venom' of sin that may seem harmless at first?

3. How does the concept of divine justice in Job 20:16 provide comfort or challenge to you in your current circumstances?

4. What other biblical examples can you think of where sin is compared to something deadly or poisonous?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Zophar's speech to ensure we are living in a way that aligns with God's righteousness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 58:4
This verse also uses the imagery of venomous snakes to describe the wicked, emphasizing their harmful and deceitful nature.

Proverbs 23:32
This passage warns about the deceptive allure of sin, comparing it to a serpent that bites and a viper that stings.

Romans 6:23
This New Testament verse speaks to the ultimate consequence of sin, which is death, aligning with the imagery of deadly poison in Job 20:16.