The old man was fond of giving homilies whenever we went to him with a problem.

Alternatives : one of two or more available possibilities.
Advice : guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action.
Suggestions : an idea or plan put forward for consideration.
Sermon : a talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and based on a passage from the Bible.
Homilies : a religious discourse which is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction.

Synonym of Homilies is Sermon