20:1 Zophar the Naamathite Zophar is from Naamah, whose location is unknown. Naamah is listed as a female descendant of Cain (Gen 4:22).

20:3 discipline that insults me Zophar may be responding to the warning of judgment Job gave at the end of his previous speech (Job 19:28–29). He may also be referring to Job’s sarcastic criticism in response to Zophar’s previous speech (12:2–3).

20:6 his head reaches to the clouds Zophar argues that, although the wicked may find success, their success will be short-lived (v. 7). While the wicked may reach great heights, God will bring them low (compare Isa 14:13–15; Obad 4).

20:7 he will perish forever like his dung Zophar describes the demise of the wicked as dramatic and permanent.

20:8 He will fly away like a dream Here, Zophar describes the demise of the wicked as swift (see note on Job 20:7).

20:11 it will lie down with him on the dust Job earlier said that his hope of vindication would go into the dust with him (17:15–16). Here, Zophar argues that the punishment of the wicked will not be delayed; they will die young and go into the dust with their youthful strength.

20:12 wickedness tastes sweet in his mouth Zophar describes evil as a sweet, but poisonous food (compare Prov 20:17). Any pleasure from it is short-lived (Job 20:5); once swallowed, it is painful and destructive (v. 14).

20:15 God drives them out from While the wicked bring destruction upon themselves by continuing in poisonous evil (vv. 12–13), God will ultimately punish them.

20:16 He will suck the poison of horned vipers Wickedness is described as a poison that ultimately results in destruction (vv. 22–23).

20:17 the torrents of honey and curds Describes a blessed land (Isa 7:22). The land of Israel is often described as flowing with milk and honey (Exod 3:8; Ezek 20:6). Zophar argues that the wicked will not see a fruitful land.

20:18 he will not enjoy The wicked will not profit from evil endeavors.

20:19 he has oppressed; he has abandoned the poor For the first time, Zophar mentions a specific sin: oppressing the poor by taking their houses.

20:20 he has not known satisfaction Portrays the insatiable appetite of the wicked: Even if they get everything they want, the wicked are never satisfied.

20:24 He will flee from an iron weapon Job compared his suffering to an attack by God (Job 16:12–14; 19:11–12). Here, Zophar describes how God attacks and punishes the wicked.

20:29 a wicked human being’s portion from God Zophar concludes that this is what the wicked will receive from God. When Job described God’s attack on him, he concluded by asserting his innocence (16:17).