Parashas Eikev · Passuk 9:19
For I was in dread of the fierce anger against you that moved GOD to wipe you out. And that time, too, GOD gave heed to me.—
Torah Temimah points to Bava Basra 9b.
TT lemma: כי יגרתי וגו' (unit 1 of 2).
English: R’ Elazar said: Greater is one who gives charity in secret than Moshe Rabbeinu, for of Moshe it is written, “for I feared the anger and the wrath,” while of one who gives charity in secret it is written, “A gift in secret subdues anger, and a bribe in the bosom fierce wrath.”
Custom (matan be-seter vs. Moshe’s fear of wrath)
Covert charity is praised as uniquely effective in turning away anger, even by comparison with Moshe’s intercession.