Job 20:14

"though he spare it, and will not let it go, but keep it still within his mouth,"

Key Reflection

In Job 20:14, the phrase suggests that even when one tries to hold onto riches tightly, they ultimately cannot prevent their loss. This highlights the futility of materialism and the certainty of divine judgment in reclaiming what is wrongly hoarded.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Yet his meat -His food. In his bowels is turned -That is, it is as if he had taken food which was exceedingly pleasant, and had retained it in his mouth as long as possible, that he might enjoy it, but when he swallowed it, it became bitter and offensive; compareRevelation 10:9-10. Sin may be pleasant when it is committed, but its consequences will be bitter. It is the gall of asps -On the meaning of the word here rendered “asps” (פתןpethen), see the notes atIsaiah 11:8. There can be little doubt that the “asp,” or aspic, of antiquity, which was so celebrated, is here intended. The bite was deadly, and was regarded as incurable.

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