Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he conceals it under his tongue, Though evil is sweet in his mouthSin offers immediate pleasure and appears desirable, as the forbidden fruit did to Eve in Genesis 3:6. Zophar describes the wicked person savoring rebellion as though it were a delicacy, delighting in what God forbids while ignoring its certain end. The way that seems right to man leads to death when it opposes the Lord (Proverbs 14:12). Pro 20:17 Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man,… and he conceals it under his tongue, The wicked person keeps evil close, protecting and treasuring it rather than rejecting it. Hidden sin may escape human notice for a time, but the Lord searches the heart and knows every secret motive (Psalm 19:12; Jeremiah 17:9–10). Zophar’s warning anticipates the truth that cherished sin eventually brings bitterness, judgment, and ruin. Psa 10:7 His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and violence… Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA 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 SinSin 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 20:17This 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.
People Job, ZopharPlaces UzTopics Evil, Evil-doing, Hide, Hides, Keeps, Mouth, Secretly, Sweet, Sweeten, Though, Tongue, WickednessDictionary of Bible Themes Job 20:12Library June 9 EveningThe triumphing of the wicked is short.--JOB 20:5. Thou shalt bruise his heel.--This is your hour, and the power of darkness.--As the children are partakers of flesh and blood he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.--Having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about … Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path The Christian Urged To, and Assisted In, an Express Act of Self-Dedication to the Service of God. Whether the Ashes from which the Human Body Will be Restored have any Natural Inclination Towards the Soul which Will be United to Them? God. The Hardening Operation of Love. Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men The Barren Fig-Tree; A Few Sighs from Hell; An Exhortation to Love God Man's Misery by the Fall Job Links Job 20:12 NIVJob 20:12 NLT Job 20:12 ESV Job 20:12 NASB Job 20:12 KJV Job 20:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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