It appears that Zophar finds that Job’s words are rather insulting and degrading. It’s clear that he thought that Job was still lying because Job didn’t listen to the truth, well, the truth, as far as Zophar’s truth is concerned.
He didn’t like being called an ignorant beast, Job 12:7, or one who spoke with empty words, Job 16:3, hence why he couldn’t keep silent anymore.
He makes the same argument as Bildad did earlier, that is, Job needs to go back to the age-old timeless truths, which apparently Job has forgotten. Zophar is convinced these points are universally and unalterably true.
Clarke, in his commentary, says the following.
‘Zophar, therefore, assumes his old ground and retracts nothing of what he had said. Like many of his own complexion in the present day, he was determined to believe that his judgment was infallible and that he could not err.’
Zophar appears to be reciting to Job the wisdom of the fathers and his presentation is divided as follows.
1. The wicked prosper only briefly, Job 20:5-11.
2. God’s delayed punishment is only to teach the wicked a lesson, Job 20:12-19.
3. God will eventually deal justly with the wicked man, Job 20:20-29.
Zophar says the triumphing of the wicked is short. He appears to think of the possibility that the wicked might do well for a short time, but God will certainly not allow him to prosper for long.
He says, while evil tastes good for a while, God will sour the sweet taste, making the consumer vomit. When they die, they take nothing with them, they partake of the delicacies of food, but it becomes as venom to their bodies.
Even though the wicked man has an abundance, he is always wanting more. He is never satisfied with what he has. However, this constant craving will create many enemies who, because he oppressed them, will come after revenge.
Earlier, Job asked for the heavens and earth to bear witness to his innocence, Job 16:18ff, here, Zophar says, they will speak and they will probably condemn you.
Zophar more or less says that the wicked will eventually lose all they have accumulated and because Job has lost all he has amassed, he must be wicked. God allowed Job to prosper only for a time.
The wealthy person may acquire a lot of wealth, but they can’t enjoy it because they know that they acquired it through the hard work of the poor, or even by taking advantage of the poor.
The wicked person may oppress to the point that people take up arms against him. The wicked person is cast into outer darkness and consumed in a fire that is not made by man, Matthew 25:41 / Revelation 20:11-15.
Andersen, in his commentary, says the following.
‘The phrase ‘and his goods will flow away’ is revealing, showing that Zophar focused almost entirely on the material aspect of Job’s troubles, and virtually ignored the spiritual dynamic. ‘He sees the carrying off of ‘possessions’, Job 20:28, as a judgment. The loss of fellowship with God, in this life or after it, does not strike him as a far worse fate. Yet it is precisely this loss that fills Job’s mind with horror and this need that arouses his most desperate longings.’
Barnes, in his commentary, says the following.
‘This conclusion is similar to that which Bildad drew at the close of his speech, Job 18:21. Zophar intended, undoubtedly, that Job should apply it to himself, and that he should draw the inference, that one who had been treated in this manner, must be a wicked man.’
One of the saddest parts of Zophar’s words is his lack of compassion for any sinner. He demonstrates no belief or hope that the wicked might turn back to God in repentance and regain His blessing. Thus, like Bildad, Zophar’s merciless judgment will equally kindle the wrath of God, Job 42.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."