Charles Ellicott Commentary Job 24:18

"Swiftly they [pass away] upon the face of the waters; Their portion is cursed in the earth: They turn not into the way of the vineyards." — Job 24:18 (ASV)

He is swift.—That is, each of these rebels against the light is swift to make his escape over the face of the waters. So we should read it, and not, with the Authorized Version, as a comparison.

Their portion is cursed in the earth.—That is, men so regard it; it has an evil name and is of bad repute.

He beholdeth not.—Rather, he—that is, each of them—turneth not the way of the vineyards, which is frequented and cultivated, but chooses rather lone, desolate, solitary, and rugged paths.