Rashi discusses the phrase ?????? ?? , asking what is unique about it. He explains that this phrase refers to an additional aspect of the mitzvah of tzedaka. According to Rashi, tzedaka is not limited to giving money to the poor. He writes:
Rashi continues to note that it is easier to prevent someone from falling into financial distress than it is to raise that person out of poverty. So far, this sounds absolutely logical and straightforward. Of course, we want to follow the path that will be the smoothest and most effective.