And he spake this teaching parable story unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were holy righteous just , and despised others: Two men went up into the sanctuary temple house to pray call seek ; the one a Pharisee religious leader priest , and the other a publican sinner tax collector . The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with his thoughts his heart himself , God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, deceivers extortioners robbers , unjust unrighteous corrupt , cheaters betrayers adulterers , or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week year month , I give tithes of all that I own have possess . And the publican, standing humbly at a distance afar , would not lift up so much as his sight gaze eyes unto heaven, but hit beat smote upon his breast heart chest , saying, God be merciful to me a transgressor sinner wrongdoer . I tell you, this man went down to his house righteous forgiven justified rather than the other: for every one that lifts up exalteth glorifies himself shall be brought low humbled abased ; and he that humbleth lowers submits himself shall be exalted lifted raised .