try not to compare your insides to their outsides

[it]

The understandings don't really contradict, mine comes from the bold:

Originally Posted by sexobon

I took the "Also, ..." in the OP quote to mean that everyone needs help and although you can't always help them you can help keep yourself from being another one of their burdens which will make them so appreciative they will hold you in high regard and want to emulate you.