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