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 sanctuary house temple to pray seek call ; the one a priest religious leader Pharisee , and the other a tax collector publican sinner . 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 , corrupt unrighteous unjust , 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 humbly at a distance , would not lift up so much as his gaze eyes sight 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 lifts up glorifies himself shall be humbled abased brought low ; and he that submits humbleth lowers himself shall be lifted exalted raised .