Job 20:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Zophar describes the wicked man savoring his sin like a sweet morsel hidden under his tongue.
What Does Job 20:12 Mean?
Now Zophar develops one of his most vivid images: sin as food. The wicked man finds his evil delicious, rolling it under his tongue to make the pleasure last, hiding it there as one would savor a treasured bite. The picture captures how attractive wrongdoing can feel in the moment.
The honesty of the image is part of its power. Scripture never pretends that sin has no sweetness; stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. The danger is precisely that it tastes good while it destroys. This verse sets up the bitter reversal to come, reminding us that the first sweetness of sin is no measure of its end.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job 20:12
What does Job 20:12 mean?
Zophar describes the wicked man savoring his sin like a sweet morsel hidden under his tongue.