The Torah calls the Aravos (that we take on Sukkos) “Arvei Nachal”, i.e., Aravos that grow along a Nachal. A Nachal is a river. When they would anoint a new Melech, it was done by a flowing river, to symbolize that his Malchus should persist and continue flowing like a river. (Gemara). It is interesting that of all the Arba Minim, the one that lives by the “river” is the lowly: ע ַר ַב ַה Arava, which neither smells good or tastes good. (Medrash).
And on the last day of Sukkos, i.e., Hoshana Rabba, we put away all Arba Minim, and we take only the: ע ַר ַב ַהַ Arava; i.e., the nobody without any Zechusim; and the Chovos Halvavos says that a Tzaddik once told his Talmidim that he's actually happy that they do Aveiros, since a person without Aveiros is the worst thing... a Baal Ga'ava.
Being Inadequate Can Be a Great Ma'ala
Shlomo HaMelech said: ו עֲנ וִיםַיִירְ שוַּ א רֶץַ תהליםַלזַיא in the end, an Anav takes over. This is the secret of longevity. Imagine, it's better more Aveiros, as long as there is less Ga'ava! (But don't look for trouble!) Believe it or not, being inadequate can be a great Ma'ala. It means that you are forced to make Hashem the main part of your life, since you are so incapable.
When your head isn't working well, because of lack of sleep, or Kishronos (ability), or you feel all depressed; this may be your finest hour!
Better more Anava with less Ga'ava, than to be a Tzaddik with Ga'ava
