Weak and Poor

Once, a student in Tomchei Temim, asked his chassidic mentor the following question:[1]

“In Tanya[2] is enumerated two methods how to rectify sin: There is fasting, for someone who is physically robust, and charity, for an individual who is weak. However, what should an individual do if he is both weak and poor?!”

“Such and individual,” answered the teacher, “should not sin to begin with…”

[1] Otzar Pitgamei Chabad, Vol. 1 Pg. 89.

[2] Igeret HaTeshuva.