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I. Some sinners ARE MORE CONTEMPTIBLE THAN OTHERS. There is as much difference between some and others as there is between the "dog" and the "lion."

1. Some sinners are baser in nature than others. There are some who are constitutionally low, and mean, and sordid — like the dog.

2. Some sinners are in baser circumstances than others. Some tenant the hovels of pauperism, others dwell in palaces. Some wear the wretched appearance of starving curs, others the majestic bearing of lions.

II. The least contemptible of sinners MUST DIE. There is the "dead lion." The sinner, however noble in nature or circumstances, must die. Death to the sinner is a terrible thing.

1. It detaches him from all good.

2. It connects him with all evil.

III. The most contemptible sinner, whilst living, HAS AN ADVANTAGE over the least contemptible who is dead. Why?

1. He is living in a world fitted for happiness. Everything in the natural world is intended and suited to minister pleasure to man.

2. He is living in the sphere of redemptive mercy.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

WEB: For to him who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.