| Geneva Study Bible For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a {c} living dog is better than a dead lion. (c) He notes the Epicurean and carnal men, who made their body their god, and had no pleasure in this life, wishing rather to be an abased and vile person in this life, then a man of authority and so to die, which is meant by the dog and lion. Wesley's Notes 9:4 Joined - That continues with living men. Hope - He hath not only some comfort for the present, but also hopes of further happiness in this world. Better - Much happier as to the comforts of this world. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 4. For-rather, "Nevertheless." English Version rightly reads as the Margin, Hebrew, "that is joined," instead of the text, "who is to be chosen?" hope-not of mere temporal good (Job 14:7); but of yet repenting and being saved. dog-metaphor for the vilest persons (1Sa 24:14). lion-the noblest of animals (Pr 30:30). better-as to hope of salvation; the noblest who die unconverted have no hope; the vilest, so long as they have life, have hope. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 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. | 
