The explanation I was given years ago - and dimly remembered was this. Justice and Mercy. There are two conditions one in which energy is limited and in short supply. In this case everything is geared to assessing what is absolutely necessary to complete the task. An assessment - an analysis of the situation which judges harshly exactly what is required and what is to be rejected. How much energy and was resources, tools and such are needed to do the job. This is Justice. It Just Is. So to speak.
The other condition is where energy is abundant - it overflows - is radiant - in this condition we imagine, dream, create and most importantly allow. We are compassionate and lenient. Mercy - which is not strained but dropeth like a gentle rain ... and so on. This is sun-like.
The quality of mercy is not strained;
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'T is mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown:
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthronèd in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.