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