The Spiritual Father's Guidance - Orthodox (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In Orthodox tradition, believers often have a spiritual father—a trusted guide for the soul's journey. This isn't replacing trust in God but embodying it: God guides through the wisdom of elders. "Lean not on your own understanding"—but don't lean on isolation either. The Desert Fathers warned against self-direction in spiritual matters. Trusting God includes trusting the tradition, the community, the elder who has walked the path before you. Humility receives guidance rather than insisting on self-reliance.