It is better to have to do with God than with his saints.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

When an intermediary cannot resolve a matter, approaching the person with actual authority may be more effective. First understand the roles and the available route for doing so.

What the words are saying

The contrast between God and the saints is used to picture a principal and those approached on the principal’s behalf. In an ordinary organisational reading, it suggests that direct contact with a decision-maker may avoid delay or conflicting messages. The useful question is who can actually answer the request or authorise a change. It does not establish a theological position or prove that intermediaries are useless. People handling a request may have necessary knowledge and a legitimate role. A direct approach is most helpful when it clarifies responsibility rather than merely bypassing everyone else.

Everyday example

After receiving incompatible answers about a booking, a customer asks the person responsible for confirming reservations to resolve the specific discrepancy.

When to use it

Use it to locate the appropriate authority for an unresolved request.

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Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.