What does Job 20:13 mean?

Job 20:13 highlights themes such as hypocrisy, truth, self-deception when read in context.

How should I apply Job 20:13 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:

11His bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.

12Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue;

13Though he spare it, and forsake it not; but keep it still within his mouth:

14Yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of asps within him.

15He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

hypocrisytruthself-deception

Matthew 12:34
Both verses emphasize that what is in the heart will be revealed in words.
Luke 6:45
This verse echoes the idea that a good person produces good out of the good stored in their heart.
Proverbs 23:7
Both verses highlight the importance of inner truth versus outward appearances.