We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. –2 Peter 1:19
The cure for self-conceit (like every sickness) is threefold: discovering the cause, finding a method for its removal, and training the soul to make correct decisions. Just like a dysfunctional eye, the soul darkened by false doctrines cannot discern the light of truth but overlooks what is right in front of it.
And just as mischievous boys lock out their teacher, false teachers shut out the teachings from their church, regarding them with suspicion. In fact, they stitch together a mass of lies and fabrications in order to appear as though they are acting reasonably by not admitting the Scriptures. So then, they are not pious since they are not pleased with the commands of the Holy Spirit. They are deprived of the counsel of God and the traditions of Christ and are bitter like the wild almond. Their doctrine (except for evident truths they could not discard or conceal) begins with themselves.
Therefore, as the soldier in war must not leave the post assigned to him by the commander, we must not desert the post assigned by the Word. It guides us in knowledge and life. Most, however, haven’t even asked if there is One we should follow, who this One is, or how to deal with lies. But the believer should live according to what the Word says in order to follow God.
Clement of Alexandria (155-220)
Hudson, Sharrer, Vanker Day by Day with the Early Church Fathers 313