A living dog triumphs over a dead lion
“Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” (NIV) Ecclesiastes 9:4
Every new year often brings reflections on our past—a mix of victories and losses. Ecclesiastes 9:4 reminds us, “A living dog is better than a dead lion.” This vivid comparison inspires hope by challenging our assumptions about strength and status. A dead lion can symbolize past glory, shelved ideas, unfulfilled potential, or even outdated methods that no longer serve a purpose. A living dog, though humble, represents resilience, adaptability, and the promise of renewed action.
David, the shepherd boy who faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17), embodied the power of humble persistence. Goliath, the towering Philistine warrior, was a lion in the eyes of Israel—strong and seemingly indestructible. Yet David triumphed, not with physical might but by relying on the living God. In this new season, we may feel small or insufficient, like a “living dog” compared to the challenges ahead. But let us remember: victory doesn’t lie in appearances; it comes through faith and action.
Jesus demonstrated this truth when He chose ordinary people—fishermen, tax collectors, and societal outcasts—to transform the world (Matthew 4:18-19). These individuals weren’t “lions” in the eyes of others, but they were alive and willing to follow God’s lead. As we embark on this year’s journey, may we trust that our present obedience matters more than past failures or successes.
We should not be paralyzed by the weight of past regrets or complacency from former victories. The living God is calling us to rise and move forward in faith ( Exodus 14:15). No matter how small our contribution feels, in God’s hands, a living dog will always triumph over a dead lion.
May we embrace this new year with courage and renewed purpose. The Lord is certainly ready to go with us (Deuteronomy 31:8). Amen.