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