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