The Better of the Lesser

Ecclesiastes 9:4 (ESV) But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Sometimes the lesser of two bad things is better. And sometimes understanding that simple fact is wisdom. 

In discussing death Solomon acknowledges both its inevitability and its equality. It comes for all, and it comes for certain. There's no stopping it. So stop wasting time complaining about your life while you have it. He has already said:

Ecclesiastes 9:2–3 (ESV) It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Now on the surface of things, it would appear that Solomon's conclusion in verse 4 concerning the dead lion and the better status of a living dog is simply an analogy. But it is much more. There is in this verse a hidden reference to God's plan for salvation. For what are we but dead dogs brought to life through the Lion of the tribe of Judah who died for us. In Him, we become "joined with all the living." For there is only one hope for all no matter their experience in this life. That hope is Christ who died and rose for us. 

It is when we come to Him and see our sins on Him at the cross that we can move beyond the problems and challenges of life, embracing our present reality as an opportunity to enjoy the good things in this life without worrying about losing them. 

So Solomon commends us:

Ecclesiastes 9:9–10 (ESV) Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

Enjoy what you have for it has been given to you. This is what God has chosen to give you and allow for you. And then use what you have been given to live a full life. Death discontinues what you have here. That may seem negative but it can also be so freeing. For our lives here are not the ultimate definition of us. We are temporary residents living the life God has allotted us so we can be thankful. 

Today, you should take time to be thankful for what He has given you and not what you're missing out on. This is your portion. Today you should take time to enjoy what God has provided, for these things are temporary but His life in us is eternal. 

Solomon examines life under the sun and realizes there's no richness or possession that can keep us alive. But we know from the Gospels that He who had all things left them to come and save us from having nothing. 

2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.