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