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 sanctuary temple house to call pray seek ; the one a religious leader priest Pharisee , and the other a publican sinner tax collector . The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with his thoughts himself his heart , God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, deceivers extortioners robbers , unrighteous corrupt unjust , adulterers betrayers cheaters , 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 sight eyes gaze unto heaven, but smote hit beat upon his chest heart breast , 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 humbled brought low abased ; and he that submits lowers humbleth himself shall be exalted lifted raised .