Why is it important to do teshuvah modestly?

Question: What is the connection between the ripening of grapes and modesty in the process of teshuvah?

Answer:

The Ben Ish Chai explains that the word “ripened” (hivshilu) also hints at cooking (bishul).

When a dish is cooked in a covered pot, it cooks better and faster.

So too with teshuvah: when a person improves himself modestly, without publicizing his deeds and without seeking honor, the process of repair is more likely to succeed.

About this it is said:

“And walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

The message: not all spiritual progress needs to be visible to others. Sometimes it is precisely quiet, inner work that brings the greatest results.