One should not be misled by a pseudodevotee. He himself must be plain and gentle to receive the instructions of such a pure devotee

Expressions researched:
"One should not be misled by a pseudodevotee. He himself must be plain and gentle to receive the instructions of such a pure devotee"

Srimad-Bhagavatam

SB Canto 1

One should not be misled by a pseudodevotee. He himself must be plain and gentle to receive the instructions of such a pure devotee.

SB 1.5.29, Translation and Purport

I was very much attached to those sages. I was gentle in behavior, and all my sins were eradicated in their service. In my heart I had strong faith in them. I had subjugated the senses, and I was strictly following them with body and mind.

These are the necessary qualifications of a prospective candidate who can expect to be elevated to the position of a pure unadulterated devotee. Such a candidate must always seek the association of pure devotees. One should not be misled by a pseudodevotee. He himself must be plain and gentle to receive the instructions of such a pure devotee. A pure devotee is a completely surrendered soul unto the Personality of Godhead. He knows the Personality of Godhead as the supreme proprietor and all others as His servitors. And by the association of pure devotees only, one can get rid of all sins accumulated by mundane association. A neophyte devotee must faithfully serve the pure devotee, and he should be very much obedient and strictly follow the instructions. These are the signs of a devotee who is determined to achieve success even in the existing duration of life.