King James Version

What Does Job 20:12 Mean?

“Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue;”

Context

His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods. His children: or, The poor shall oppress his children

His bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.

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

Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth: within: Heb. in the midst of his palate

Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(12) **Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth.**—He draws a picture of the wicked man after the pattern of a gourmand or glutton, which, if it were intended to apply to Job, was a fresh instance of heartless cruelty, as well as of an entire want of discernment of character, and of unfitness for the office of judge he was so ready to assume. It is possible that the reproach here aimed at Job was that of inordinate love of riches, which Zophar extracts from the bare fact of his having been a wealthy man.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 20:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.