Kesubos 3 Sanctity through the Torah scholars

The Gemara states that one who is mekadesh, betroths, a woman in a Jewish marriage ceremony, betroths her subject to the will of the Chachamim. The Baalei mussar, Masters of Ethics, derive from this statement that one who wishes to sanctify himself in his service of HaShem should do so subject to the will of the Chachamim. One should seek guidance from rabbis and righteous people of his generation. One who seeks to sanctify himself on his own is more prone to failure and his efforts will not be sustained.

We can add that it is said (Mishlei 9:10) techilas chochmah yiras HaShem vidaas kedoshim binah, the beginning of wisdom is fear of HaShem, and [the beginning of] understanding is knowledge of the sacred. The Gemara (Pesachim 22b) states that fear of HaShem incorporates fear of Torah scholars. In a similar vein, we can suggest that the beginning of wisdom is fear of HaShem, and the beginning of understanding is knowledge of the sacred, i.e. the Torah scholars (see Medrash Mishlei Ibid that interprets these words to be referring to those who study the Talmud). Thus, in order to be considered truly G-d fearing and holy, one must know and fear the Torah scholars, who are deemed to be holy by virtue of toiling in and understanding the Torah.