Zophar begins this chapter speaking of being offended by Job (v1-2). It is very possible that Job’s warning about the judgment to come has struck a chord with Zophar and this has resulted in a final very forceful message from him on the wicked and the consequences of their sin.

Zophar teaches of how the uplifting and joy of the wicked will be short-lived (v4-11). For the wicked, their sinful ways may seem sweet in the short term but in the end it will be bitter for them (v12-21). The fruit of sin lasts only for a moment. Zophar teaches that in the end there is no escape for the wicked as God’s anger will hunt them down (v22-29).

Zophar is not wrong in what he teaches about sin. In his first message in chapter 11 he taught about the consequences of both sin and righteousness. But now in chapter 20 he has become totally negative focusing on sin and judgment only. There is not even a call to repentance and there is no hope of salvation expressed. There is no grace in his heart but rather just a judgmental spirit that has twisted his ministry.