In a tale concerning Abba Hilkiah the Talmud says that the value of charity given by women surpasses that of charity given by men, for a man gives only money, and the needy do not immediately benefit from the charity they receive, having first to make a purchase and then cook. Women, however, who give prepared food to the needy, immediately meet their needs. This helps explain the text: "The generous man is blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor." "The generous" – the one giving charity; "is blessed" – whose reward is greater than another giving charity, in the case that "he gives of his bread to the poor". Actual bread, ready for "the poor" to eat, for he brings benefit closer to the poor. This is also indicated by the text, "My fruit is better than gold, fine gold, And my produce better than choice silver". It means "My fruit is better" – when I give charity, it is better if I give a fruit that is ready for eating; it is better than "gold, fine gold" – than giving the needy silver or gold. "And my produce" also, things that are eaten as they are, are "better than choice silver".