Times have changed since...
I don't know what this world is coming to!
This generation of kids these days!
We've all heard it. Most of us have said it, or at least thought it. We've lamented injustice or iniquity with thoughts of a progressively worsening state of affairs. Some of us feel righteously angry about it, others grieve the past with remorse.
People in Solomon's times must have had their Hebrew versions to express their dissatisfaction with their assumed decline of mankind, too, because he has something to say to them, and to us.
Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
Ecclesiastes 7:10
Love each other, just as I have loved you.
John 15:12
The answer is not to tolerate sin. But it is to love the sinner, just like Jesus did. (Romans 5:8)
And the answer is not to conform to the world. But it is to love the world, just like God did. (John 3:16)
I like how 18th century Bible commentator, Adam Clarke, put it, In former days men were as wicked as they are now, and religion as unfashionable; God is also the same now as He was then; as just, as merciful, as ready to help.
Lord, in this present age, help me to imitate you.