4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
4 But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
4 Still, anyone selected out for life has hope, for, as they say, "A living dog is better than a dead lion."
4 But for him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.
4 There is hope only for the living. As they say, "It's better to be a live dog than a dead lion!"
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:4
Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:4-10
(Read Ecclesiastes 9:4-10)
The most despicable living man's state, is preferable to that of the most noble who have died impenitent. Solomon exhorts the wise and pious to cheerful confidence in God, whatever their condition in life. The meanest morsel, coming from their Father's love, in answer to prayer, will have a peculiar relish. Not that we may set our hearts upon the delights of sense, but what God has given us we may use with wisdom. The joy here described, is the gladness of heart that springs from a sense of the Divine favour. This is the world of service, that to come is the world of recompence. All in their stations, may find some work to do. And above all, sinners have the salvation of their souls to seek after, believers have to prove their faith, adorn the gospel, glorify God, and serve their generation.