The Gemara Speaks to All Israel
Writing to a beloved student, he taught that no later authority may contradict the Talmud, and explained how to read an ethical will that seems to.
A talmid wrote to Rav Yechezkel about a proposed match, troubled by a warning in the ethical will of Rabbeinu Yehuda HeChasid. The Rav answered with a great principle and asked his student to engrave it on his heart: no sage after the Talmud may say a word against the Talmud. When a revered and devout scholar seems to do so, we must work to show that he spoke for his own time or his own family, while the Talmud speaks to all of Israel. So the Chasid's cautions about certain marriages were meant for his descendants. The Rav then showed that the present case raised no concern at all. He added that he was astonished at how readily people give a daughter to an ignorant man, yet hesitate over a Torah scholar for the sake of a name, and he wrote that our whole Torah should not become like a mere will. He told his student to conclude the match for the sake of Heaven.
Source: Noda BiYehudah, Mahadura Tinyana, Even HaEzer 79
When advice, a custom or a clever idea seems to clash with a clear halachah, you do not have to drop the halachah, and you do not have to dismiss the person. Ask what situation was being addressed, and let the shared foundation stay in place. This week, when something troubles you, look it up in the Gemara or a reliable halachah sefer, or ask your Rav. And when a good opportunity is held up by a small worry, ask whether it truly stands in your way.