And he spake this teaching story parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were just holy righteous , and despised others: Two men went up into the temple sanctuary house to pray seek call ; the one a Pharisee priest religious leader , 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 robbers extortioners , unjust corrupt unrighteous , adulterers betrayers cheaters , 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 humbly afar at a distance , would not lift up so much as his gaze sight eyes unto heaven, but smote beat 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 brought low abased humbled ; and he that humbleth submits lowers himself shall be exalted lifted raised .