According to a Jewish legend, before creating Adam, the first man, God took into His counsel the angels that stood about His throne.

“Create him not,” said the Angel of Justice, “for if You do, he will commit all kinds of wickedness against his fellowman. He will be hard and cruel and dishonest and unrighteous.”

“Create him not,” said the Angel of Truth, “for he will be false and deceitful to his fellowman, and even to You.”

“Create him not,” said the Angel of Holiness, “for he will follow that which is impure in Your sight, and dishonor You to Your face.”

Then the Angel of Mercy, God’s most beloved, stepped forward and said. “Create him, Father, for when he sins and turns from the path of right and truth and holiness, I will take him tenderly by the hand and lead him back to You.”