FROM WHOM WE MUST SEEK ADVICE

No one asks advice from a man tainted with vice. But rather from one that bears the pattern of the heroes of the Scriptures.

We tend to seek advice from men exhibiting uprightness of life, excellence in virtues, habits of benevolence and charms of good nature.

We never drink water from a muddy source that exhibits luxurious living, excess and a union of vices. Who does not despise a foul life? Who will think a man to be useful to another's cause whom he sees to be useless in his own life? We always avoid men who are only too eager to do harm.
Such vicious souls pollute their advice showing their degenerate spirit and evil character.

We must seek advice from one superior to us. How can he give advice who cannot take one? How can he take time to give me an advice who has no time for himself because he is overcome by lust, a slave of avarice and is excited by greed? How can there be room for counsel here, where there is none for quiet?

Seek one who has put aside all that is offensive.

St. Ambrose, Duties of the Clergy, Ch. XII

(11-23-02)