ייִדישער מחשבֿה אויף ירמיהו 2:35

3. Beseeching forgiveness demonstrates submission and humility before G-d, and confession of one's sin is a ground for forgiveness, as written: "he who confesses and renounces them will obtain mercy" (Mishlei 28:13). Regarding the opposite of this, it is said: "[Yet you say, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me.] Behold, I will contend with you, because you say, I have not sinned" (Yirmiyahu 2:35), and "he that conceals his transgressions will not succeed" (Mishlei 28:13). Similarly we can observe among human beings, that if one wrongs his fellow, and afterwards humbles himself towards him, and admits that he sinned against him and wronged him and beseeches forgiveness from him, and the fellow recognizes that he truly regrets the wrong he committed, the fellow will not refrain from forgiving him and will overlook the wrong-doing, and the grudge in his heart against him will be removed.