Old Testament
Job 24:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He is swift on the waters. Their portion is cursed in the earth. He does not look toward the way of the vineyards.
Compare translations
He is swift as the waters; their portion is cursed in the earth: he beholdeth not the way of the vineyards.
What Job 24:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 24:18, the verse describes a person who is likened to water, suggesting that they are fleeting and unstable. The phrase "their portion is cursed in the earth" indicates that this person's life is marked by misfortune and a lack of blessings. They do not pay attention to the vineyards, which symbolize prosperity and growth. This imagery reflects the idea that some individuals live in a way that leads to their downfall, ignoring the paths that could lead to a fruitful life. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of one's choices and the importance of being mindful of the direction one takes in life. It highlights the contrast between those who pursue righteousness and those who disregard it, ultimately leading to a life devoid of true fulfillment and blessing.
How to apply Job 24:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our life choices and their consequences. It reminds us to seek paths that lead to growth and fulfillment, rather than those that may seem appealing but ultimately lead to emptiness. Being mindful of our direction can help us avoid misfortune.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 24:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 24:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 24:18 mean about the nature of life?
Job 24:18 uses the imagery of water to illustrate the fleeting and unstable nature of life. It suggests that some individuals move through life quickly and without purpose, leading to a life marked by misfortune. This verse serves as a reminder that life can be unpredictable, and choices matter significantly in determining one's path.
How does Job 24:18 relate to prosperity and growth?
In Job 24:18, the reference to vineyards symbolizes prosperity and growth. The verse indicates that those who ignore the paths leading to these blessings are likely to face curses and misfortune. It highlights the importance of being aware of opportunities for growth and making choices that align with a fruitful life.
What lessons can we learn from Job 24:18 about our choices?
Job 24:18 teaches us that our choices have consequences. It encourages us to reflect on the paths we choose and to seek those that lead to fulfillment and righteousness. Ignoring opportunities for growth can lead to a life devoid of blessings, so being mindful of our direction is crucial.
How does Job 24:18 contrast righteousness and wickedness?
Job 24:18 contrasts the fleeting nature of those who disregard righteousness with the stability and blessings that come from pursuing a righteous life. It suggests that those who ignore the ways of prosperity, represented by vineyards, are likely to face misfortune, while those who seek righteousness can find true fulfillment.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.