The needy is not the one who can be turned away with a date-fruit or two, or a morsel or two. But, the needy is the one who abstains from begging
Authentic hadithعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أَنَّ رسُولَ اللَّه -صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وسَلَّم- قَالَ: «لَيسَ المِسْكِين الَّذِي تَرُدُّهُ التَّمْرَة والتَّمْرَتَان، وَلا اللُّقْمَةُ واللُّقْمَتَان، إِنَّمَا المِسْكِين الَّذِي يَتَعَفَّف».
Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The needy is not the one who can be turned away with a date-fruit or two, or a morsel or two. But, the needy is the one who abstains from begging."
Explanation
This Hadīth clarifies the true meaning of poverty and informs that a praiseworthy needy who deserves charity more, is the one who abstains from begging. The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) did not consider the one who goes around and begs a real needy, because he takes what suffices him and may receive Zakah, ending his poverty. However, the need of someone who does not beg continues because he does not receive things through begging and asking people.
Source · Narrated by Bukhari & Muslim
From the Hadith Encyclopedia (hadeethenc.com).