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