9 Wickedness and Iniquity The Bible clearly shows an inverse connection between a reverential fear of God, which produces as its fruit a “harvest of righteousness,” and wickedness. Both the Bible and history demonstrate that where there is little or no fear of God among a people (and a corresponding lack of righteousness), wickedness abounds. Note these verses: • “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5). • “It is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you” (Deuteronomy 9:4–5). • “The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion” (Psalm 11:4–5). • “You love righteousness and hate wickedness” (Psalm 45:7). • (said of Satan) “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:15). 59
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