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