Another matter: “These are the offspring of Noah.” It is written: “He will be light upon the surface of the water; their portion in the land is cursed; no one turns aside from the vineyards” (Job 24:18). “He will be light upon the surface of the water” – [this refers to Noah, who was saved from] the decree that was decreed upon them that they be eliminated by water; “their portion in the land is cursed” – that is to say, [the curse of] ‘He who exacted retribution from the generation of the Flood.’1When someone reneges on a purchase after money was paid for the object, he is cursed by the court: “He who exacted retribution from the generation of the Flood, He will exact retribution from one does not stand by his word” (Bava Metzia 44a).
And why [are they cursed] to that extent? “No one turns aside from the vineyards” – meaning that their intent in life was solely [monetary,] to plant vineyards. But Noah, his intent in life was only to be fruitful and multiply in the world and produce children, as it is stated: “These are the offspring of Noah.”