Zophar directs a harsh critique at Job, accusing him of using his speech to silence his audience and freely mock others without facing any opposition. The primary approach among commentators is that Job's arguments are built entirely on lies and fabrications that he has invented [רש״י, מצודת ציון, רלב״ג, אבן עזרא]. However, another perspective views his words through a botanical metaphor, comparing them to the thick branches of a tree. In this light, his arguments represent lofty ideas, grand thoughts, and highly complex, branching concepts [מלבי״ם, תקות אנוש].
These forceful words have a direct effect on the people listening, rendering them completely speechless. This audience might be the broad crowd of bystanders gathered around Job and his friends, left stunned by his bold expressions [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Many emphasize that these listeners are simple, uneducated, and vulnerable individuals [מלבי״ם, אלשיך].
The commentators offer various explanations for this stunned silence. Some suggest the listeners are simply misled, mistakenly believing that Job is speaking the truth [מצודת דוד]. Others argue that these ordinary people are unable to comprehend or challenge his deep and complicated claims [מלבי״ם]. Conversely, it is proposed that his statements are so blatantly false that no one even wants to waste the effort to reply [תקות אנוש]. Another view suggests a sense of fear; the bystanders are afraid to rebuke Job because they are uncertain about his true righteousness, especially since his complaints are aimed directly at God [רמב״ן]. Offering a completely different angle, some explain that the silent listeners are not the simple masses at all, but rather Job's wise friends. They choose not to respond out of deep humility, even as he openly mocks them [אלשיך].
The direct result of this unchecked silence is that Job faces no shame or scolding. Because no one steps in to stop or rebuke him, he feels entirely comfortable continuing his mockery toward God and those around him [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The absence of any challenge leaves Job stuck in his current mindset and prevents him from repenting. Ultimately, this dynamic explains why God Himself does not answer Job. God distances Himself from liars and from those who join the ranks of mockers. As long as Job persists in his falsehoods and mockery without anyone holding him accountable, the gates of repentance and divine communication remain firmly closed to him [אלשיך].