question #3 Sahih Muslim 1042a, Book 12, Hadith 137 : What does the phrase ‘the upper hand is better than the lower hand’ imply in the context of charity and dependence?

It is better for one among you to bring a load of firewood on his back and give charity out of it (and satisfy his own need) and be independent of people, than that he should beg from people, whether they give him anything or refuse him. Verily the upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin (charity) with your dependents.