Sometimes we may think that all we need in order to fully benefit from saintly company is to be present among enlightened souls in physical proximity. We may even think that simply following the instruction in the Bhagavad-gita to serve and ask questions is sufficient. However, in this quote we learn that the saints only give their full blessing when we approach with sincere humility.
“One should approach a Kṛṣṇa conscious person with all humility, put relevant questions to him and not challenge him. If one were to challenge him, such a highly elevated Kṛṣṇa conscious person would not be available to receive any tangible service. A challenging, puffed-up person cannot gain anything from a Kṛṣṇa conscious man; he simply remains in material consciousness.”
–Teachings of Lord Caitanya