And he spake this story teaching 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 call pray seek ; the one a Pharisee religious leader priest , and the other a sinner publican tax collector . 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 corrupt unrighteous , cheaters betrayers adulterers , or even as this publican. I fast twice in the year week month , I give tithes of all that I have own possess . And the publican, standing at a distance afar humbly , would not lift up so much as his eyes sight gaze unto heaven, but smote hit beat 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 exalteth glorifies lifts up himself shall be brought low humbled abased ; and he that lowers humbleth submits himself shall be lifted raised exalted .