And he spake this teaching story parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were holy just righteous , and despised others: Two men went up into the temple house sanctuary to pray seek call ; the one a religious leader priest Pharisee , 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, robbers deceivers extortioners , unjust unrighteous corrupt , betrayers adulterers cheaters , 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 afar at a distance humbly , would not lift up so much as his sight gaze eyes unto heaven, but smote beat hit upon his heart breast chest , saying, God be merciful to me a wrongdoer transgressor sinner . I tell you, this man went down to his house forgiven righteous justified rather than the other: for every one that lifts up glorifies exalteth himself shall be brought low abased humbled ; and he that submits humbleth lowers himself shall be lifted raised exalted .