When evil multiplies we ask “How did we get here?” Ok, how did we get here?
Multiplied Evil
In Proverbs 29.16 we read the phrase “When the wicked are multiplied…” meaning dishonest people thrive or increase.
A reasonable response is “How did we get here?” Thus, what conditions made it possible for the godless to thrive? Why are we enduring multiplied evil? Some answers include:
1). The righteous do nothing
2). The wicked hold absolute power
3). Society in general is so corrupt that there’s no rule of law, and
4). People choose to believe the lie that wrong is right.
As such, we “get here” by neglect. By not making hard choices. And by believing lies because we want to see change – at any cost.
Consequently, we accept the lie that there’s a political solution to what is fundamentally a moral problem. Worse yet, when people of faith demand that morality be legislated, they in turn abandon their source of influence – divine guidance.
How does this play out?
The outcome of corrupt leadership and disregard for the rule of law is also in Proverbs 29.16 “…transgressions increase.”
In short, multiplied corruption across a society is caused by an increase in the number of, and power of, the corrupt people in that society.
This pattern is multiplication at its worse as corruption produces a downward spiral of even more corruption. For example, an utterly corrupt leader draws around him/herself, thus attracts, wicked co-conspirators, as explained in Proverbs 29.12!
What’s the way forward?
What works against this destructive spiral? The integrity of those who refuse to believe the lies and who refuse to be enriched by the corruption.
Members of society who are discerning enough to know right from wrong must find ways to work against the downward spiral within their own sphere of influence. Is that easy? No! Is there a quick fix? Again, No!
Apply This Today!
An inability to discern right from wrong is a serious problem, for a person, a family, and for a society.
Moreover, an unwillingness to address corruption, such as abandoning the rule of law, is destructive.
What does abandonment of norms of moral behavior look like? Corrupt rulers, along with the enablers around that ruler, operate above the law.
A Question to Consider
In day-to-day conversations, how do you push back against casual attitudes about corruption and lawless behavior?
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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