How do we know that the mercy of God keeps us from wickedness?

In the sermon, it is emphasized that anyone acknowledging their own sinfulness can recognize the mercy of God as the sole reason they are not among the wicked. The preacher points out that all humanity has a 'bent to go in the way of the wicked,' yet it is by God's grace that some are restrained from this destruction. This theological perspective underscores the belief that without divine mercy, we would inevitably fall into wickedness, recognizing that our salvation and desire to follow Christ stems entirely from God's initiative and grace.