By Rabbi Moshe Vosoghi:
In this week’s Parsha, we find a startling statement in regards to the creation of Adam. Hashem, seemingly in consultation with the angels, says (א,כו) נעשה אדם. “Let us make Man.” Clearly, Hashem did not need any assistance or advice from the Angels whatsoever. But he chose to consult with them nonetheless in order to teach us a valuable lesson.
Rashi explains that even though this statement can potentially convey that there is basis to the heretical beliefs of more than one God, Hashem didn’t hesitate to write it because he wanted to teach us proper Middot. Hashem wanted us to understand, that even when we are the most qualified, we shouldn’t hesitate to consult with those who are around us.
It is quoted in the name of the Alter of Slabodka (עיין ריש חידושי הלב) that this passuk teaches us how extremely vital it is for us to perfect our character traits. Hashem could have left out this statement, which teaches us humility. But at the same time, he would potentially save those who would use this as basis to make such a wild mistake in faith, to believe in multiple Gods Chas Veshalom. A crime which is so severe that the Rambam (תשובה ג,ו-ז) writes that they lose the world to come in its entirety. Yet still, Hashem dismissed this option because of that lesson in Humility that he wanted us to learn.
We see from here that the concept of Good Middot, of character traits, is not merely a good thing. It is not even just necessary. But it’s the very essence of our greatness.