R’ Chanoch Henach Hakohen Levine of Aleksander zt”l would say: “'ועתה ישראל מה ה' אלקיך שאל מעמך כי אם ליראה את ה' אלקיך ללכת בכל דרכיו ולאהבה אתו'' - People are strange. They beg and plead that Hashem should give them Yiras Shamayim (Fear of Heaven) when this is something that is entirely in the individual’s control. Yet, when it comes to livelihood and sustenance, they imagine that they are in charge!”
R’ Isaac Ausband zt”l (Rosh Yeshivah of Telshe) would say: “'וארא והנה חטאתם לה' אלקיכם עשיתם לכם עגל מסכה' - While Moshe knew that Klal Yisroel had fatally sinned he believed in their ability to repent nonetheless. Moshe expected that his appearance with the luchos would have immediately brought Am Yisroel back to their senses. Just as a thief who is caught is inclined to run and hide out of embarrassment, Moshe expected Klal Yisroel to do the same. Only when Moshe appeared and the celebration continued on as before, did Moshe recognize the severity of this sin. Klal Yisroel needed a powerful response to awaken them and Moshe in turn broke the luchos. Sin is often merely spontaneous and a person is caught off guard. Thus, the sin would not necessarily reflect the real status of the individual. In the case of the Chet Haegel where even after Moshe’s appearance, Klal Yisroel continued in their rebellion, Moshe understood that the nation had fallen and were unworthy of the luchos.”
A Wise Man would say:
“It is better to do something great and fail than to attempt to do nothing and succeed.”