en_tn_condensed/ecc/09/04.md

the living

This refers to people who are alive. Alternate translation: "who are alive" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-nominaladj)

even a live dog is better than a dead lion

A dog was considered a lowly animal while a lion was considered a noble animal. This speaks of it being better to be lowly and alive than to be considered noble and dead. Alternate translation: "As lowly as a dog is, it is better to be a dog and to be alive than to be noble like a lion and to be dead" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile)