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