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