“Uncultured men will accept charity on behalf of the Lord and will earn their livelihood by making a show of austerity and wearing a mendicant’s dress. Those who know nothing about religion will mount a high seat and presume to speak on religious principles.” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 12.3.38)

Never judge a person by their appearance, clothing, name, or position. In Kali Yuga, there will be many wolves in sheep clothing. There will be many cheaters in the dress of a saint.

It is false to think that only those who are dressed as saintly have saintly qualities. There are some who dress in t-shirt and jeans and they have more saintly qualities than many so-called saintly persons. Those who are rich and engaged in devotional service have proven their sincerity. Those who are poor and engaged in devotional service have yet to prove their sincerity. Money is the real test. When one has no money, they may be forced to be devotional, because they want money and think God will give it to them. This is very much true. There are many Vedic followers who emigrate from India to USA. When they were in India, they were vegetarian and going to Temple everyday. Once they move to the USA, within a few months they start eating meat and lose all interest in religion. The presence of money, will clearly illuminate the pretenders.

It is false to think that we can only learn moral values from those who wear saffron clothing. Based on the Shrimad-Bhagavatam and common sense, we can learn moral values from ordinary people and also the animals and plants too. For example, we can learn to be simple, tolerant, and patient from the trees. The trees stand in one place and give fruits to everyone. People may or may not give water, people chop down branches, pee, etc.. But still the trees never protest. The trees are never disturbed by any news or events that occur even a few feet away etc.. We humans can from the trees to be tolerant, simple, be satisfied with what we have, treat everyone equally, and don’t make demands on others.